Current progress on understanding the impact of mercury on human health

Abstract

Mercury pollution and its impacts on human health is of global concern. The authors of this paper were members of the Plenary Panel on Human Health in the 12th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant held in Korea in June 2015. The Panel was asked by the conference organizers to address two questions: what is the current understanding of the impacts of mercury exposure on human health and what information is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention in lowering exposure and preventing adverse effects. The authors conducted a critical review of the literature published since January 2012 and discussed the current state-of-knowledge in the following areas: environmental exposure and/or risk assessment; kinetics and biomonitoring; effects on children development; effects on adult general populations; effects on artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM); effects on dental workers; risk of ethylmercury in thimerosal-containing vaccines; interactions with nutrients; genetic determinants and; risk communication and management. Knowledge gaps in each area were identified and recommendations for future research were made. The Panel concluded that more knowledge synthesis efforts are needed to translate the research results into management tools for health professionals and policy makers.

The aging kidney and the nephrotoxic effects of mercury

“…In fact, numerous epidemiological studies reported evidence of renal injury following acute and chronic exposure to various forms of Hg (Ha et al 2016; Pollack et al, 2015). However, the most severe nephropathy is induced following exposure to Hg 2+ .…”

Mercury exposure and its effects on fertility and pregnancy outcome

“…The problem of environmental pollution from mercury (Hg) and its effect on human health is currently a global issue . Contamination of the biosphere by Hg is mainly caused by anthropogenic factors, including coal combustion, mining, cement production and chemical industry .…”

“…The problem of environmental pollution from mercury (Hg) and its effect on human health is currently a global issue. 1,2 Contamination of the biosphere by Hg is mainly caused by anthropogenic factors, including coal combustion, mining, cement production and chemical industry. [3][4][5] When Hg is released into the natural environment, and in groundwater, microorganisms including bacteria are often responsible for the biotransformation of the metal leading to the formation of methylmercury (MeHg).…”

A Review of Mercury Bioavailability in Humans and Fish

“…Humans and wildlife are primarily exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) through the consumption of foods with elevated Hg concentrations [1,2]. Although MeHg sources may differ for certain human populations (e.g., pilot whale for Faroese [3,4]; rice for inland Chinese [5]), seafood represents the predominant pathway of MeHg exposure for most humans [6].…”