Mercury can be taken in through the lungs, mouth, skin, or by eating mercury-contaminated fish. Methylmercury, a form of mercury more toxic than elemental (liquid) mercury, collects in the flesh of fish.
Mercury affects the human brain, spinal cord, kidneys, lungs, and liver. Symptoms of short term to high levels of mercury include nausea, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, sore gums, and an elevated white blood cell count. Symptoms of long-term exposure to elevated levels of mercury include tingling sensations in the fingers and toes, a numb sensation around the mouth, and tremors. Long-term exposure to high levels of mercury can result in symptoms that get progressively worse and lead to personality changes, tunnel vision, stupor and coma.
Women who expect to become pregnant should not eat mercury-contaminated fish. Mercury affects fetal development, preventing the brain and nervous system from developing normally. Affected children show lowered intelligence, impaired hearing and poor coordination.
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