NIOSH Backgrounder: Alice’s mad hatter & work-related illness. Mercury toxicity and treatment: A review of the literature. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This includes:Įating the above fish is not recommended for: The risk is higher for larger fish, which contain higher amounts of methylmercury.
Consuming a lot of fish increases your risk of developing poisoning. People who work in these settings are more likely to develop poisoning over time.Įating fish is the most common way people are exposed to methylmercury. It’s also common for children to play on floors, where mercury spills might occur.
This is due to their smaller lung capacity.
Because the fetus is still growing, it’s more likely to develop neurological effects from mercury.Ĭhildren are more likely to experience mercury exposure through inhaled vapors. This includes: Young ageįetuses and children have a higher risk of mercury exposure.Ī fetus in the womb can be exposed to mercury if the mother eats fish containing mercury. There are certain factors that increase your risk of getting chronic mercury poisoning.
