![]() ![]() Fetuses, infants and young children are four to five times more sensitive to mercury exposure than adults. ![]() The National Research Council estimates that each year about 60,000 children might be born in this country with permanent, irreversible neurological problems because of mercury exposure before birth. Mercury exposure in the womb - which can result from a mother's consumption of fish and shellfish that contain methylmercury - can adversely affect a baby's growing brain and nervous system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 6% of child-bearing aged women in the United States have a blood mercury level that is unsafe for a developing fetus. Mercury Is Especially Dangerous To Pregnant WomenĬhildren of women who consumed large amounts of contaminated fish during pregnancy are at highest risk of mercury-related developmental problems. Elemental (also known as metallic) mercury, the shiny silver-white liquid found in some thermometers and switches, is most dangerous when inhaled and must be handled with care. Mercury vapors can pass easily from the lungs to the bloodstream. Depending on the type and amount, exposures to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver and immune system.īreathing mercury vapors can harm the nervous system, lungs and kidneys.
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