Mercury Toxicity Through the Ages - Analysis of Health Effects on Human Body Systems

Abstract

 Mercury is present in the environment in inorganic (metallic mercury vapor, mercury salts, and mercury salts) or organic (bound to a structure containing carbon atoms). The neurotoxic effects of mercury have been known for years. While its organic form (methylmercury) caused the Minamata disaster in Japan and the "Wonder Wheat" disaster in Iraq, the "crazy hats" and the "Danbury earthquake" have been associated with its inorganic, elemental form (mercury vapor). Human exposure to toxic mercury continues in the modern world, primarily due to artisanal gold mining, biomass burning, chlor-alkali production, and the use of traditional medicines, to name a few. Extensive industrial use of mercury pollutes the air and landfills, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems and the marine food chain. A detailed social and occupational history, coupled with a high clinical suspicion index, ensures that this toxic cause of symptoms such as tremors, muscle spasms, food poisoning, fetal malformations, and asphyxiation is not overlooked. In this study, we analyze the global health impact of mercury, past and present, from a symptomatic perspective. We highlight the relationship between mercury, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune diseases. We also highlight the role of preventive factors and strategies in combating the toxic effects of mercury on human systems in our contemporary world.