mercury poisoning

mercury poisoning Disease resulting from exposure to the metallic element mercury. Mercury is toxic to humans, and poisoning can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Acute mercury poisoning (less common) is associated with ulcerations of the stomach and intestine and with toxic changes in the kidney. Chronic mercury poisoning can cause diarrhea, slowed reflexes, poor coordination, ataxia (wobbliness), tremor, impaired vision, and emotional instability. Mercury is discharged into the air by such sources as coal-burning power plants, incinerators, and mining. It eventually contaminates waterways where it is converted by bacteria into methyl mercury. This molecule collects in the fatty tissues of fish and the animals that eat fish. Fish are the major dietary source of mercury poisoning, but it can also enter the body in other ways.