Assessment of mercury exposure and its impacts on human health

Abstract

Introduction: Mercury, found both naturally and as a man-made contaminant, affects diverse populations globally, mainly through dietary consumption of seafood and occupational exposure. Mercury poses a significant threat to human, with well-documented adverse effects observed globally, especially among vulnerable communities. The aim of this study was to review the literature on mercury exposure and its effects on human health. Material and methods of research: A literature review was performed using databases like PubMed and Google Scholar focused on keywords related to the topic. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Dietary intake, notably from seafood containing methylmercury, constitutes a significant pathway for human mercury exposure. Additionally, occupational exposure, such as in artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations, poses significant risks, particularly in communities residing near these operations. Mercury exposure poses significant health risks across multiple bodily systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, urinary, and immune system, potentially leading to a wide range of adverse effects. The intricacies of mercury's impact have been extensively discussed in research, delving into its specific mechanisms of harm within each bodily system. Summary: Although a plethora of studies demonstrate the toxicity of mercury and its detrimental effects on human health, further research exploring this topic is essential, particularly on a pathophysiological level, to comprehensively understand the complex interactions between mercury exposure and its diverse effects on human health across various populations and exposure scenarios.

Keywords

• mercury
• mercury exposure
• heavy metals
• health