What are the long-term effects of mercury poisoning?

Long-term complications Share on Pinterest Mercury poisoning may cause slow reflexes, damaged motor skills, and intelligence disorders. High levels of mercury in the blood may put a person at risk for long-term neurological damage. These effects may be more pronounced in children who are still developing.

Can you recover from mercury poisoning?

A large overdose of inorganic mercury may cause massive blood and fluid loss, kidney failure, and likely death. Chronic brain damage from organic mercury poisoning is difficult to treat. Some people never recover, but there has been some success in people who receive chelation treatment.

How long does mercury stay in the brain?

The biological half-life of mercury is estimated to be approximately 30 to 60 days in the body [4]. The half-life of mercury in the brain is not entirely clear, but is estimated to be as long as approximately 20 years.

Does mercury ever leave the body?

Once inorganic mercury enters the body and gets into the bloodstream, it moves to many different tissues. Inorganic mercury leaves your body in the urine or feces over a period of several weeks or months.

Can mercury be removed from the body?

Mercury is also eliminated in urine, so drinking extra water can help to speed up the process. Avoiding exposure. The best way to get rid of mercury in your body is to avoid sources of it whenever you can. As you reduce your exposure, the level of mercury in your body will decrease as well.

Why is dimethylmercury so toxic?

Why is dimethylmercury toxic? It is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. It readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, probably due to its formation of a methylmercury-cysteine complex. It causes ataxia (lack of coordination), sensory disturbance and changes in mental state.

How does methylmercury affect the brain?

Figure 5. Methylmercury prevents the growth of axons and dendrites. Methylmercury targets the cell structure and disturbs neuron migration. A very important feature of prenatal methylmercury exposure is the affect methylmercury has on the cell microtubules.

Can mercury damage kidneys?

The kidneys are also sensitive to the effects of mercury, because mercury accumulates in the kidneys and causes higher exposures to these tissues, and thus more damage. All forms of mercury can cause kidney damage if large enough amounts enter the body.

What are the signs and symptoms of methylmercury poisoning?

What are the signs and symptoms of methylmercury poisoning? 1 impairment of the peripheral vision; 2 disturbances in sensations (“pins and needles” feelings, usually in the hands, feet, and around the mouth); 3 lack of coordination of movements; 4 impairment of speech, hearing, walking; and. 5 muscle weakness.

What happens if you get mercury poisoning?

Organ failure: In severe cases, elemental mercury poisoning may result in systemic organ failure, which can lead to death, Khubchandani notes. Oof. How can I lower my risk of mercury poisoning?

What are the main sources of methylmercury exposure?

Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish. Fish and shellfish are the main sources of methylmercury exposure to humans. Methylmercury builds up more in some types of fish and shellfish than others.

What happens if you swallow a piece of mercury?

Oral issues: If inhaled or swallowed, elemental mercury can cause a metallic taste in the mouth or swollen, bleeding gums. 7. Organ failure: In severe cases, elemental mercury poisoning may result in systemic organ failure, which can lead to death, Khubchandani notes.