Methylmercury Exposure and Health Effects in Humans

Details

• Personal Author:
  Choi AL ; Grandjean P
• Description:
  Methylmercury (MeHg) is a worldwide contaminant found in seafood and freshwater fish, which constitute the dominant source of human exposure to this substance. The developing human brain is particularly susceptible to injury caused by MeHg, which easily passes the placental barrier. Epidemiological studies in fishing populations have found subtle though lasting adverse effects on brain functions of children who were exposed prenatally to MeHg from seafood diets. This contaminant also seems capable of promoting the development of heart disease. Fish and seafood also contain important nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids that may provide beneficial effects, thereby possibly counteracting or obscuring the adverse effects of MeHg. This article reviews the existing evidence on MeHg developmental neurotoxicity and the emerging evidence that MeHg may promote the development of heart diseases. MeHg risks may have been underestimated in the past, in part because of the confounding effects of nutrients from seafood and fish. Improved control of mercury release to the environment is indicated. In addition, regulatory agencies should provide better guidance to consumers in maintaining a balanced diet that includes seafood as low as possible in mercury. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular System Chemistry Diet Environmental Exposure Epidemiology Hazardous Substances Hunting Mercury Nervous System Occupational Health Pregnancy Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Women

  More +
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Diet Brain Function Chemical Composition Chemical Properties Children Contaminated Food Environmental Exposure Exposure Levels Fish Fishing Fishing Industry Food Health Effects Heart Disease Humans Injuries Methylmercury Compounds Neuropsychological Tests Neurotoxic Effects Neurotoxicity Prenatal Exposure Risk Factors Seafood Toxic Effects Toxins

  More +
• ISSN:
  1448-2517
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Massachusetts ; OSHA Region 1
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  112-120
• Volume:
  5
• Issue:
  2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20055087
• Citation:
  Environ Chem 2008 Mar; 5(2):112-120
• Contact Point Address:
  Anna L. Choi, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215
• Email:
  achoi@hsph.harvard.edu
• CAS Registry Number:
  Methylmercury(1+) (CAS RN 22967-92-6)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2008
• Performing Organization:
  Harvard School of Public Health
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Environmental Chemistry
• End Date:
  20280630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:7c8680f9e5f859f1c58600e5f18ab3b058ab0b81893833b13f00f5578b144d6db74aa5e5a48dc42fc00c63ac071b1be9bd50ac5d3e852aa351501d1700f14a3f
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/217458/cdc_217458_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 262.42 KB ]