All about mercury poisoning. Part 1 of 2.

Mercury poisoning is a condition in which the body has absorbed toxic quantities of mercury compounds. Mercury (Hg) is an elemental metal that has many industrial applications. If you are of a certain age your mother probably used a thermometer with mercury in it. As the temperature went up, the mercury expands and fills the gauge. I once had an old thermostat that used a mercury switch. But not all mercury pollution comes from humans. Volcanoes and other natural sources account for about half of the mercury in our atmosphere. Coal-fired plants contribute another 40% in the US and the rest comes from other industrial activities such as mining, cement product and waste disposal.

Pure mercury is uncommon and mercury is more often found in other forms.Elemental mercury is not easily absorbed by skin contact or ingestion. Mercury salts are more readily absorbed through the skin and digestive system and can lead to serious health consequences. Methylmercury is the largest source of mercury contamination as it has contaminated our food supply and accumulates in fish other food products. Many people are aware of the mercury found in fish and other seafood; the smallest fish accumulate mercury found in the plants and insects in their diet and as they are consumed by larger and still larger fish, the amount of mercury we are exposed to increases. (So a good rule of thumb is to eat smaller fish and avoid the largest such as shark and tuna.)

Dental amalgams are a known source of low-level mercury exposure, but the American Dental Association (ADA) states “Dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively, and has established a record of safety and effectiveness.” The ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs claimed in 1998 "There currently appears to be no justification for discontinuing the use of dental amalgam." An article on medicinenet.com states, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is little scientific evidence that the health of the vast majority of people with dental amalgam is compromised, nor that removing amalgam fillings has a beneficial effect on health.” However in the same article they say “Mercury from dental amalgam is a major source of controllable mercury released to the environment and likely will remain a significant concern into the future.”

Really? It’s okay to have it in your mouth all your life, but if we bury it in a landfill it could contaminate our drinking water. Really?!?

Symptoms for mercury poisoning vary depending on the type mercury compound a person is exposed to. Methylmercury poisoning is indicated by itching, burning or pain; skin discoloration, pink cheeks and fingertips; swelling and peeling skin. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), symptoms of elemental mercury poisoning are “tremors; emotional changes (e.g., mood swings, irritability, nervousness, excessive shyness); insomnia; neuromuscular changes (such as weakness, muscle atrophy, twitching); headaches; disturbances in sensations; changes in nerve responses; performance deficits on tests of cognitive function.”

In my next blog I will discuss various treatment options for mercury poisoning, including chelation, ionized water and fasting. Until then, your comments are always welcome!