What is the toxicity level of mercury?
Generally, hair mercury concentration does not exceed 10 mg/kg. However, in moderate mercury poisoning, the concentration level ranges between 200 and 800 mg/kg, and in severe intoxication it goes up to 2400 mg/kg.
Should you be concerned about mercury toxicity?
High amounts of mercury can lead to long-term and sometimes permanent neurological changes. The dangers are especially notable in young children who are still developing. Mercury exposure can lead to developmental problems in the brain, which can also affect physical functions such as motor skills.
What is mercury toxicity and what are some signs and symptoms of this?
Adults with mercury poisoning may experience symptoms such as:
- muscle weakness.
- metallic taste in the mouth.
- nausea and vomiting.
- lack of motor skills or feeling uncoordinated.
- inability to feel in the hands, face, or other areas.
- changes in vision, hearing, or speech.
- difficulty breathing.
What type of mercury poisoning is the most harmful?
Toxic Effects Methylmercury [CH3Hg] is the most toxic form. It affects the immune system, alters genetic and enzyme systems, and damages the nervous system, including coordination and the senses of touch, taste, and sight.
What levels of mercury is acceptable in humans?
The World Health Organization safety standard for daily exposure to mercury is 45 mcg/day.
How many micrograms of mercury is safe?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 0.045 mcg of mercury per pound (0.1 mcg per kg) of body weight per day is the maximum safe dose of mercury. This amount is known as a reference dose (4). Your daily reference dose for mercury depends on your body weight.
How many types of mercury are there?
three forms
Mercury has three forms: elemental (liquid mercury), inorganic mercury and organic mercury (methylmercury). Elemental mercury is the most common form. It is a metallic, silvery liquid ( also referred to as quicksilver) that is processed from an ore called cinnabar.
What should you do if you are exposed to mercury?
The effects of mercury exposure can be very severe, subtle, or may not occur at all, depending on the factors above. Anyone with concerns about mercury exposure can consult their physician and/or their poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
How much mercury is safe FDA?
The RfD expresses the amount of mercury that can be safely consumed per unit of body weight, each day. The RfD is 0.1 microgram of methylmercury per kilogram of body weight per day. (A microgram is one millionth of a gram.)