Mercury

Methylmercury (MeHg), an organomercurial, is one of the most prevalent and toxic environmental pollutants. The major route of human exposure occurs via consumption of MeHg-adulterated seafood. Historically, MeHg epidemics in Minamata Bay, Japan, and in Iraq provided evidence of its developmental toxicity and neurological damage. This chapter describes MeHg kinetics in the human body and focuses predominantly on mechanisms involved in neuropathological and reproductive effects. The chapter also discusses the differential susceptibility to MeHg in fetuses and adults, with a special emphasis on its aberrant effects in the developing central nervous system. Discussions on risk assessment, treatment, and future directions are also covered in this chapter.