Mercury Poisoning
Like many things in nature that are pretty i.e. some birds, some insects, some reptiles, a lot of good looking men etc, Mercury is very toxic. Mercury can combine with a methyl group to become methyl mercury, a substance found in environmental pollution and has a range of toxicity’s (Hoekman ,Theodore, “HEAVY METAL TOXICOLOGY”).
Although mercury does occur naturally during volcanic eruptions, ocean evaporation, and groundwater seepage, humans contribute to 243 tons of mercury into the air a year. This is due to medical and municipal waste incineration, and utility, commercial, and industrial boilers. One case of Mercury poisoning, in which humans are to blame, goes as far back to the beginning of the 20th century. For example in 19, the Chisso Corporation at Minamata, Japan dumped Mercury into the Bay of Minamata. The corporation was stationed in a small fishing village. Through 1925-1960, many fish were found dead and other aquatic animals were found bobbing dead on the seemingly safe service of the waters. Soon the land animals, such as the dogs, pigs, birds, and cats started throwing themselves into the sea, twirling in circles, vomiting, and acting crazy. Eventually children and newly born babies showed signs of this. Eventually the Chisso Corporation was sued and the case was won by the people (Justus, Sandra, “Mercury Poisoning Technical Report).
Although human health is the main concern, animals and the earth both suffer greatly due to human mercury pollution. There are countless cases of fish and birds dying in agony. Fish though, seem the most susceptible and the FDA has put warnings against fish. Many states, including NC, have but warnings on separate bodies of water in fear of poisoning. It makes you wonder why people just can’t keep their pollutants to themselves and keep poor Mercury from being a bad guy…even though in 10 days it can kill you.
So, how do you know you have Mercury Poisoning? Simple! Put a check next to any of these cases or symptoms!
Exposure:
Did you eat contaminated fish or shellfish?
Did you touch a mercury spill?
Did you play in waste-water?
Did you eat any fungicides?
(Mercury, EPA)
Symptoms:
Hallucinations
Delirium
Chest Pains
Cough
Nausea
Vomiting
Blindness, deafness, impaired consciousness
If you had more than 1 to 4 g of inorganic mercury compounds you are going to die
You may have irreversible brain damage
Your Children will get leg cramps or pink fingers
You May get cancer.
(Mercury and Compounds, Lakes Environmental Software)