Diseases

Organic Mercury Exposure

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Mercury exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. Mercury Exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms depend upon the type, dose, method, and duration of exposure. They may include muscle weakness, poor coordination, numbness in the hands and feet, skin rashes, anxiety, memory problems, trouble speaking, trouble hearing, or trouble seeing. High level exposure to methyl mercury is known as minamata disease.

CAUSES

Mercury poisoning refers to a toxicity from mercury consumption. Mercury is A type of toxic metal that comes in different forms within the environment. The most common cause of mercury poisoning is from consuming too much methyl mercury, which is linked to eating seafood.