Mercury

• Background
• Visit the DNR's Mercury Web Page for more information on mercury including impacts, sources & alternatives.

Background

Previous and Current Uses: Mercury is used as a cleaning agent in some soaps and as a base for pesticides. It is also used in chemical production, batteries, dental fillings, thermometers, switches, and in pharmaceuticals.

Health Effects: Individuals exposed to mercury are most likely exposed to the organic species of this chemical (e.g., methylmercury). Human health effects associated with methylmercury include severe neurological disorders in infants exposed during pregnancy. More-recent reviews conducted by ATSDR continue to find supporting evidence in humans of neurological effects associated with low levels of methylmercury (ATSDR 1999B). Children exposed to mercury may suffer from developmental problems and damage to the kidneys and digestive system. Methylmercury is classified as possibly causing cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC 1993). The nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mercury. Symptoms include irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems. Exposure to the vapors can cause effects such as lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, and eye irritation.

Ecological Effects: Mercury is a heavy metal that has the ability to bioconcentrate and biomagnify up the food chain. Mercury is mutagenic, teratogenic, carcinogenic, embryotoxic and has cytochemical and histopathological effects. In aquatic organisms, low concentrations of mercury can adversely affect reproduction, growth, behavior, metabolism, blood chemistry, osmoregulation, and oxygen exchange (Eisler 1987). Sublethal effects of mercury on birds include adverse effects on growth, development, reproduction, blood and tissue chemistry, metabolism and behavior. In addition, mercury exposure can also result in ataxia and muscle disorders as well as histopathological changes. In mammals, mercury exposure causes teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects (Eisler 1987). Neurologic and central nervous system disorders are also common in mammals. In just about all species, the developmental stages of an organism are the most sensitive.

Trade Names: none

EPA Substance Registry Information: Mercury (CAS # 7439-97-6). The registry lists over 140 additional mercury-containing substances.