Effects of methylmercury on the infants

  • Sakamoto, Mineshi (Dep of Epidemiology National Institute for Minamata Disease, Ministry Environment)
  • Published : 2006.06.02

Abstract

In the natural course of events, most human exposure to MeHg is through fish/shellfish consumption. The methylmercury exposure levels depends on the amount and species of fish/shellfish consumed daily. The developing brain in the late gestation period is known to be most vulnerable. Further, more methylmercury accumulates in the fetuses than in mothers. Therefore, efforts must be made to protect the fetuses from the risk of methylmercury, especially in populations which consume a lot of fish/shellfish.

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