Mercury reproductive toxicity

Golub, M.S. (2006b). Reproductive toxicity of mercury, arsenic and cadmium. In Metals, Fertility and Reproductive Toxicity (M.S. Golub, ed.), pp. 6-22. CRC Press/Taylor Francis Group, LLC, Boca Raton. 

Artistic inks and dyes, as well as those used in textiles are generally nontoxic, though occasionally irritating or allergenic to some. They are known to have high contents of heavy metals, such as cobalt, lead, mercury, and others, many of which are common skin irritants, and some of which are carcinogens and reproductive toxicants therefore large and frequent... 

Reproductive Toxicity. Occupational exposure to metallic mercury has not been shown to result in statistically significant effects on male fertility (Alcser et al. 1989 Lauwerys et al. 1985). However, an increase in the rate of spontaneous abortions may occur (Cordier et al. 1991). A spontaneous abortion occurred in a female after ingesting an acute dose of mercuric chloride (Afonso and de Alvarez 1960). There were no studies available on dermal exposure to metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury. 

Many studies have reported the effects of metals on general soil microbiological processes. Metals including cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc have been reported to inhibit many of the microbial processes listed above. Metal toxicity in the environment ultimately decreases litter decomposition, which can be measured by the rate of mass loss. Both copper (0.5 mg Cu g4 soil) and zinc (1.0 mg Zn g 1 soil) were shown to decrease the rate of decomposition of unpolluted Scots pine needle litter near a brass mill in Sweden.61 Duarte et al.63 also determined that copper and zinc toxicity reduced leaf decomposition rates and fungal reproduction. Other metals, such as cadmium, nickel, and lead, have also been reported to decrease litter decomposition.77... 

Thain, J.E. 1984. Effects of mercury on the prosobranch mollusc Crepidula fornicata acute lethal toxicity and effects on growth and reproduction of chronic exposure. Mar. Environ. Res. 12 285-309. 

Trace metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, mercury, zinc) Industrial and municipal wastewaters runoff from urban areas and landfill erosion of contaminated soils and sediments atmospheric deposition Toxic effects including birth defects, reproductive failure, cancer, and systemic poisoning. 

It should also be remembered that fish high in the food chain, such as tuna, swordfish, and shark accumulate toxic substances like mercury or PCBs. Mercury affects the nervous system and is a proven reproductive hazard. Table 13.4 lists examples of marine animals that may be toxic. 

Nova Scotia, Dr. Stephen Beauchamp studies toxic chemicals, such as mercury. Loons in Nova Scotia s Kejimkujik National Park are among the living creatures that he studies. Kejimkujik loons have higher blood mercury levels (5 pg Hg/1 g blood) than any other North American loons (2 pg Hg/1 g blood). Mercury is also found in high levels in the fish the loons eat. Mercury causes behavioural problems in the loons. As well, it may affect the loons reproductive success and immune function. 

Chronic toxicity studies provide information on the long-term health effects of chemical substances. Adverse health effects in exposed animals and subsequent severe damage are known to occur after repeated exposure to low doses over a period of time. The slow accumulation of mercury or lead in the body or after a long latency period from exposure to chemical carcinogens is an example. Chronic or prolonged periods of exposure to chemical substances may also cause adverse effects on the reproduction and behavior of animals and humans. The symptoms caused after chronic exposure usually differ from those observed in acute poisoning from the same chemical. In fact, when exposed to low concentrations of chemical substances, as is the case with chronic toxicity studies, the industrial worker and common public are unaware of the exposure. 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label Poison SAFETY PROFILE Poison by ingestion, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and possibly other routes. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Hg. 

SAFETY PROFILE Experimental reproductive effects. Human mutation data reported. Reaction with ammonia or ammonium salts yields fulminating gold, a heat-, friction-, and impact-sensitive explosive similar to mercury and silver fulminates. See also GOLD COMPOUNDS and CHLORIDES. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of CT. 

The objective of this chapter is to put into perspective some of the current knowledge with respect to trace metals and their health implications. Potential adverse health effects of occupational exposures to trace metals are dis cussed cancer (arsenic, beryllium chromium nickel, and perhaps cadmium) chronic lung disease (beryllium and cadmium) neurologic and reproductive disorders (lead and mercury) and kidney disorders (lead and cadmium). Also discussed are the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended standards for occupational exposure to several trace metals, the difficulty of establishing safe levels of exposure (particularly for carcinogens), and problems involved in identifying toxic components of trade name products. Special attention is given to the role of chemists to help protect the public health. 

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