Reproductive toxicity methyl mercury

Many of the observed Great Lakes region toxic effects are attributed to persistent toxic chemical compounds. TCDD is associated with human thyroid hormone fluctuation, problems in male reproductive function, and neurological malfunction. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and methyl mercury (MeHg) are associated with human thyroid hormone fluctuation, problems in female reproductive function, neurological and neurodevelopmental problems. These effects, summarized in Table 13.1, illustrate the difficulty in attributing a particular toxic effect to a single chemical, particularly when one considers the potential impacts of thousands of other chemicals. 

Acidity imposes problems in all aspects of metal mobilization in the environment the toxicity of drinking water growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms the increased leaching of nutrients from the soil and the ensuing reduction of soil fertility the increased availability and toxicity of metals and the undesirable acceleration of mercury methylation in sediment (Fager-strom and Jernelov 1972). 

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