Mercury Poisoning: Effects of Brain, Body and Possible Tie to Autism Via Childhood Vaccinations

Mercury, in many forms, can be toxic to humans. Excessive exposure to this dangerous element can occur in workplaces that use mercury or mercuric salts. People may also become exposed to toxic levels by ingesting a high amount of contaminated seafood. Treatment for mercury poisoning generally involves the use of chelating agents. These agents help make mercury more soluble in water so that it can be expelled by the kidneys. Recovery often depends on the amount of toxin exposed to, the promptness of the treatment, and the age of the affected individual.

Kidney Damage

When a person is exposed to mercuric salts he experiences kidney damage. The individual will have difficulty in high levels of exposure can cause renal failure. Mercury damaging the kidneys is particularly disastrous as the kidneys need to operate well to remove mercury from the body so that is does not cause impairment in other areas.

Extensive System Damage

Elemental mercury can cause a variety of health issues. If you inhale mercury fumes you can develop flu-like respiratory symptoms. Exposure can also make your heart beat fast, cause anemia, create lethargy and make you susceptible to easy bruising and bleeding. Death can occur if the level of toxin is high enough following possible years of exposure or even a very high level acute exposure.

Neurological

Mercury toxicity affects the brain and nerves as well. You can experience mental disturbances and memory lapses due to exposure. Your nerve tracts may be damaged and in cases of severe poisoning you may become blind, lose coordination and even lapse into a coma. Brain damage can result in dementia.

In-Utero

Unborn infants can suffer extreme effects from mercury exposure. This fact is confirmed by an incident in a 1956 Minamata Bay in Japan. It was found that pregnant women who consumed highly mercury contaminated fish from the bay gave birth to children with serious health issues. Among these conditions were mental retardation, cerebral palsy, deafness and blindness.

Autism Theory

According to Discover Magazine, there is circumstantial evidence linking mercury poisoning as one possible cause of autism. An agent called thimerosal contains mercury. This particular agent was regularly used as a preservative in vaccines of which children are routinely given. Discover Magazine contends that the relatively high levels of mercury in routine vaccinations lead many to believe thimerosal has "already caused, or at least catalyzed, the U.S. epidemic of autism." As of today the possible link of mercury poisoning to autism is unproven.

References

* Scientific American
* Michigan Department of Natural Resources
* Discover Magazine