汞 Mercury (Hg)
Mercury (Hg)
*Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal element with no known essential physiological function in the human body. On the contrary, it is highly toxic and can cause severe damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and immune system.
*Forms of Mercury in Nature
Mercury exists in three primary forms in nature:
-Elemental mercury (Hg⁰): Commonly found in thermometers, sphygmomanometers, and fluorescent lamps. At room temperature, it releases mercury vapor, which, when inhaled, is oxidized in the body into more toxic mercury ions.
-Inorganic mercury (Hg²⁺, Hg⁺): Found in some industrial chemicals, such as byproducts of the chlor-alkali industry. Inorganic mercury mainly affects kidney function.
-Organic mercury (e.g., methylmercury, CH₃Hg⁺): The most toxic form, which easily accumulates in living organisms. It is primarily found in mercury-contaminated fish and seafood. Methylmercury can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to severe neurological damage.
*Normal Mercury Levels
Blood mercury normal range: <35 μg/g CRE (varies depending on testing methods and exposure conditions).
*Health Effects of Mercury Exposure
-Neurological Damage
Methylmercury can cross the blood-brain barrier, affecting the central nervous system and causing: memory decline and cognitive impairment, cerebellar damage leading to motor dysfunction, tremors and convulsions, impaired vision, hearing, and speech
-Kidney Damage
Inorganic mercury (Hg²⁺) accumulates in the kidneys, causing: renal tubular damage leading to proteinuria, kidney failure
-Effects on the Immune System
Long-term mercury exposure may trigger autoimmune diseases, such as: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), allergic skin reactions (e.g., rashes, peeling)
-Reproductive and Fetal Developmental Risks
Pregnant women exposed to methylmercury pose a serious risk to fetal health, potentially leading to: abnormal fetal brain development, delayed cognitive and intellectual development, impaired language and motor skills, severe cases may result in miscarriage
*Mercury Poisoning Symptoms
Mercury poisoning can be classified as acute or chronic:
-Acute poisoning (caused by inhaling large amounts of mercury vapor or ingesting mercury compounds): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema, confusion, seizures
-Chronic poisoning (caused by long-term low-dose exposure): oral ulcers, excessive salivation, hand tremors (mercury tremor), mood instability, depression, irritability (known as "Mad Hatter Syndrome")
*How to Prevent Mercury Exposure?
-Avoid consuming fish with high mercury content (such as swordfish, sharks, and tuna).
-Do not use mercury-containing cosmetics or medications (some whitening products contain mercury).
-Properly dispose of mercury-containing equipment (e.g., broken thermometers and fluorescent lamps).
-If a mercury spill occurs, ventilate the area immediately and avoid direct contact.
-If mercury poisoning is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Chelation therapy (e.g., dimercaptosuccinic acid, DMSA) may be used to help remove mercury from the body.
-Take appropriate personal protective measures.
*Conclusion
Mercury poisoning poses severe health risks, particularly to the nervous system and kidneys. Reducing mercury exposure, avoiding mercury-containing products, and maintaining a clean living environment can help minimize the health hazards associated with mercury.
*Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal element with no known essential physiological function in the human body. On the contrary, it is highly toxic and can cause severe damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and immune system.
*Forms of Mercury in Nature
Mercury exists in three primary forms in nature:
-Elemental mercury (Hg⁰): Commonly found in thermometers, sphygmomanometers, and fluorescent lamps. At room temperature, it releases mercury vapor, which, when inhaled, is oxidized in the body into more toxic mercury ions.
-Inorganic mercury (Hg²⁺, Hg⁺): Found in some industrial chemicals, such as byproducts of the chlor-alkali industry. Inorganic mercury mainly affects kidney function.
-Organic mercury (e.g., methylmercury, CH₃Hg⁺): The most toxic form, which easily accumulates in living organisms. It is primarily found in mercury-contaminated fish and seafood. Methylmercury can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to severe neurological damage.
*Normal Mercury Levels
Blood mercury normal range: <35 μg/g CRE (varies depending on testing methods and exposure conditions).
*Health Effects of Mercury Exposure
-Neurological Damage
Methylmercury can cross the blood-brain barrier, affecting the central nervous system and causing: memory decline and cognitive impairment, cerebellar damage leading to motor dysfunction, tremors and convulsions, impaired vision, hearing, and speech
-Kidney Damage
Inorganic mercury (Hg²⁺) accumulates in the kidneys, causing: renal tubular damage leading to proteinuria, kidney failure
-Effects on the Immune System
Long-term mercury exposure may trigger autoimmune diseases, such as: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), allergic skin reactions (e.g., rashes, peeling)
-Reproductive and Fetal Developmental Risks
Pregnant women exposed to methylmercury pose a serious risk to fetal health, potentially leading to: abnormal fetal brain development, delayed cognitive and intellectual development, impaired language and motor skills, severe cases may result in miscarriage
*Mercury Poisoning Symptoms
Mercury poisoning can be classified as acute or chronic:
-Acute poisoning (caused by inhaling large amounts of mercury vapor or ingesting mercury compounds): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema, confusion, seizures
-Chronic poisoning (caused by long-term low-dose exposure): oral ulcers, excessive salivation, hand tremors (mercury tremor), mood instability, depression, irritability (known as "Mad Hatter Syndrome")
*How to Prevent Mercury Exposure?
-Avoid consuming fish with high mercury content (such as swordfish, sharks, and tuna).
-Do not use mercury-containing cosmetics or medications (some whitening products contain mercury).
-Properly dispose of mercury-containing equipment (e.g., broken thermometers and fluorescent lamps).
-If a mercury spill occurs, ventilate the area immediately and avoid direct contact.
-If mercury poisoning is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Chelation therapy (e.g., dimercaptosuccinic acid, DMSA) may be used to help remove mercury from the body.
-Take appropriate personal protective measures.
*Conclusion
Mercury poisoning poses severe health risks, particularly to the nervous system and kidneys. Reducing mercury exposure, avoiding mercury-containing products, and maintaining a clean living environment can help minimize the health hazards associated with mercury.