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Mercury's zero oxidation state (Hg 0) exists as vapor or as liquid metal, its mercurous state (Hg +) exists as inorganic salts, and its mercuric state (Hg 2+) may form either inorganic salts or organomercury compounds. Consumption of whale and dolphin meat, as is the practice in Japan, is a source of high levels of mercury poisoning.
The types of fish to eat are categorized based on the mercury levels found in fish and the risk to human health. Mercury regulation in the United States limit the maximum concentrations of mercury (Hg) that is permitted in air, water, soil, food and drugs. The regulations are promulgated by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency ...
Minamata disease is a neurological disease caused by severe mercury poisoning. Signs and symptoms include ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, loss of peripheral vision, and damage to hearing and speech. In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma, and death follow within weeks of the onset of symptoms.
Fish and shellfish concentrate mercury in their bodies, often in the form of methylmercury, a highly toxic organomercury compound. This element is known to bioaccumulate in humans, so bioaccumulation in seafood carries over into human populations, where it can result in mercury poisoning.
Baby cicadas, or nymphs, have “the highest levels of tocopherols and polyphenols — antioxidants shown to help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease and improve immune function ...
EPA considers high blood mercury levels to be harmful to the fetus and also states, "exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages." Currently, EPA has set the "safe" mercury exposure level to be at 5.8 μg of mercury per one liter of blood.
Erethism, [n 1] also known as erethismus mercurialis, mad hatter disease, or mad hatter syndrome, is a neurological disorder which affects the whole central nervous system, as well as a symptom complex, derived from mercury poisoning. Erethism is characterized by behavioral changes such as irritability, low self-confidence, depression, apathy ...
Methylmercury (sometimes methyl mercury) is an organometallic cation with the formula [CH3Hg]+. It is the simplest organomercury compound. Methylmercury is extremely toxic, and its derivatives are the major source of organic mercury for humans. It is a bioaccumulative environmental toxicant with a 50-day half-life.