What are the human health effects of mercury exposure?
Whether mercury will affect a person’s health depends on the route and amount of exposure and who the person is. Health problems caused by mercury are most serious for the developing fetus and for young children. Pregnant women who eat fish contaminated with large amounts of methylmercury may have babies who suffer permanent damage, such as a learning disability or to their central nervous system. Short-term (high mercury concentration) exposure can result in nausea, shortness of breath, pneumonitis, and bronchitis. Exposure to high levels of mercury over extended time can result in tremors, numbness in the fingers and toes, shakiness, loss of muscle control, memory loss, and kidney disease.
