The article "Environmental Mercury and Its Toxic Effects" by Kevin M. Rice, Ernest M. Walker Jr, Miaozong Wu, Chris Gillette, and Eric R. Blough, published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, provides a comprehensive review of the toxicological effects of mercury on various organ systems and cellular functions. Mercury, both naturally occurring and man-made, can enter the environment through multiple routes, including industrial emissions, waste incineration, and contaminated food chains. The primary route of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) is through consumption of contaminated fish and seafood, which can lead to significant health risks. The review highlights that mercury poisoning can cause a wide range of toxic effects, including damage to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, hematological system, pulmonary system, renal system, immune system, endocrine system, reproductive system, and embryonic development. Key points include: 1. **Nervous System Effects**: Mercury can interfere with energy production and cellular detoxification processes, leading to neuronal damage. It is particularly harmful to the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as depression, paranoia, extreme irritability, hallucinations, memory loss, and tremors. 2. **Cardiovascular Effects**: Mercury accumulation in the heart can contribute to cardiomyopathy and chest pain. It also affects hemoglobin formation, leading to anemia and potentially contributing to conditions like mononucleosis, leukemia, and Hodgkin's disease. 3. **Hematological Effects**: Mercury can impair the production of digestive enzymes and affect the function of xanthine oxidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV, leading to digestive disturbances. It can also cause kidney damage and various kidney injuries, including acute tubular necrosis and glomerulonephritis. 4. **Immune System Effects**: Mercury impairs immune system function by suppressing adrenocorticosteroids production and affecting the ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to destroy foreign substances. It can also induce immune responses in the central nervous system and modulate the production of interferon gamma and interleukin-2. 5. **Reproductive Effects**: Mercury can affect reproductive function by altering hormone levels and disrupting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes. It has been linked to reduced fertility, menstrual disorders, and fetal developmental issues. 6. **Fetotoxicity**: Mercury exposure during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects, craniofacial malformations, and low birth weights. It can also cause cerebral palsy and psychomotor retardation in the neonate. The article emphasizes the importance of public health measures to reduce mercury exposure and raise awareness about the dangers of mercury toxicity. Historical events and epidemiological studies have provided valuable insights into the detrimental effects of mercury on human health, highlighting the need for continued research and prevention efforts.The article "Environmental Mercury and Its Toxic Effects" by Kevin M. Rice, Ernest M. Walker Jr, Miaozong Wu, Chris Gillette, and Eric R. Blough, published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, provides a comprehensive review of the toxicological effects of mercury on various organ systems and cellular functions. Mercury, both naturally occurring and man-made, can enter the environment through multiple routes, including industrial emissions, waste incineration, and contaminated food chains. The primary route of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) is through consumption of contaminated fish and seafood, which can lead to significant health risks. The review highlights that mercury poisoning can cause a wide range of toxic effects, including damage to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, hematological system, pulmonary system, renal system, immune system, endocrine system, reproductive system, and embryonic development. Key points include: 1. **Nervous System Effects**: Mercury can interfere with energy production and cellular detoxification processes, leading to neuronal damage. It is particularly harmful to the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as depression, paranoia, extreme irritability, hallucinations, memory loss, and tremors. 2. **Cardiovascular Effects**: Mercury accumulation in the heart can contribute to cardiomyopathy and chest pain. It also affects hemoglobin formation, leading to anemia and potentially contributing to conditions like mononucleosis, leukemia, and Hodgkin's disease. 3. **Hematological Effects**: Mercury can impair the production of digestive enzymes and affect the function of xanthine oxidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV, leading to digestive disturbances. It can also cause kidney damage and various kidney injuries, including acute tubular necrosis and glomerulonephritis. 4. **Immune System Effects**: Mercury impairs immune system function by suppressing adrenocorticosteroids production and affecting the ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to destroy foreign substances. It can also induce immune responses in the central nervous system and modulate the production of interferon gamma and interleukin-2. 5. **Reproductive Effects**: Mercury can affect reproductive function by altering hormone levels and disrupting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes. It has been linked to reduced fertility, menstrual disorders, and fetal developmental issues. 6. **Fetotoxicity**: Mercury exposure during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects, craniofacial malformations, and low birth weights. It can also cause cerebral palsy and psychomotor retardation in the neonate. The article emphasizes the importance of public health measures to reduce mercury exposure and raise awareness about the dangers of mercury toxicity. Historical events and epidemiological studies have provided valuable insights into the detrimental effects of mercury on human health, highlighting the need for continued research and prevention efforts.