Mercury children exposed

If a pregnant woman is affected by mercury poisoning, the consequences may affect the child. As a result, the child may suffer from profound mental deficiency, atrophy of cerebral cortex, commisure and cerebellum neuron destruction. Acrodynia is a syndrome that affects children exposed to organic and inorganic mercury compounds. Symptoms include itchy, measles-like rash followed by desquamation of palm and foot skin, essential tachycardia, generalized swellings, hypertension and salivation (Harada, 1995). 

In critical periods of development before they are born, and in the early months after birth, children and fetuses are particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of metallic mercury and methylmercury on the nervous system. Harmful developmental effects may occur when a pregnant woman is exposed to metallic mercury and some of the mercury is transferred into her developing child. Thus, women who are normally exposed to mercury vapors in the workplace (such as those working in thermometer/barometer or fluorescent light manufacturing or the chlor-alkali industry) should take measures to avoid mercury vapor exposures during pregnancy. Exposures to mercury vapors are relatively rare outside of the workplace, unless metallic mercury is present in the home. 

Methylmercury is the form of mercury most commonly associated with a risk for developmental effects. Exposure can come from foods contaminated with mercury on the surface (for example, from seed grain treated with methylmercury to kill fungus) or from foods that contain toxic levels of methylmercury (as in some fish, wild game, and marine mammals). Mothers who are exposed to methylmercury and breast-feed their infant may also expose the child through the milk. The... 

If you use metallic mercury or azogue in religious practices, you may expose your children or unborn child to mercury or contaminate your home. Such practices in which mercury containing substances have traditionally been used include Santeria (a Cuban-based religion whose followers worship both African deities and Catholic saints), Voodoo (a Haitian-based set of beliefs and rituals), Palo Mayombe (a secret form of ancestor worship practiced mainly in the Caribbean), or Espiritismo (a spiritual belief system native to Puerto Rico). 

Metallic mercury vapors are very toxic and are virtually odorless. Inhalation of mercury-laden dust, vapor, or mist should be avoided. Metallic mercury not should not come in contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. If children are exposed directly to metallic mercury, the contaminated body area should be thoroughly washed, and contaminated clothing should be removed and disposed of in a sealed plastic bag (ATSDR 1997). ATSDR and EPA recommend very strongly against the use of any uncontained metallic (liquid) mercury in homes, automobiles, day care centers, schools, offices, and other public buildings. If a child has metallic mercury on his or her clothing, skin, or hair, the fire department should be advised and the child should be properly decontaminated (ATSDR 1997). 

Ethyl alcohol is found in alcoholic beverages and is a known teratogenic material, which is the reason doctors tell pregnant women not to drink alcohol. When a mother drinks, the unborn child drinks as well. Ethyl alcohol causes growth failure and impaired brain development. Unborn children exposed to alcohol may suffer the effects of Eetal Alcohol Syndrome when they are bom. Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome include sleep disturbance, jitteriness, a higher incidence of impaired vision and hearing, lack of motor coordination, balance problems, abnormal thyroid function, and a decrease in immune system effectiveness. Additional teratogens include heavy metals, methyl mercury, mercury salts, lead, thallium, selenium, penicillin, tetracyclines, excess Vitamin A, and carbon dioxide. 

All forms of mercury may give rise to dermatitis. Mercury can cross the placental barrier and affect the unborn child of exposed mothers. 

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