Fish Mercury Poisoning Symptoms

Methyl mercury is an exceptionally deadly form of mercury found in fish. It is easily distributed throughout the food chain, causing permanent health problems and birth defects in humans.

Testing & Toxicity

Whole blood testing is done to check methyl mercury levels. The Environmental Protection Agency says that any level higher then 5 mcg/L is elevated; higher than 60 mcg/L is toxic.

General Symptoms

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, symptoms of methyl mercury exposure includ: mental retardation, seizures, blindness and deafness. Adults experience vision constrictions, behavioral changes, memory loss, headaches, tremors, loss of motor control and hair loss.

Fetuses, Infants & Children

Young and developing people are the most susceptible to neurological damage including impaired cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language and fine motor skills.

Severity

People who experience the most serious complications from methyl mercury exposure include those who are young, those who are in ill health and those who have a high level of repeated exposure.

Cerebral Palsy

According to MedlinePlus, methyl mercury poisoning is a form of cerebral palsy, displaying many of the same symptoms including disorders affecting movement, learning, hearing, seeing and thinking.

References

• National Resources Defense Council: Mercury Contamination in Fish
• USGS: Mercury in the Environment
• USGS: Mercury Contamination in Aquatic Ecosystems

Resources

• Methyl Mercury Testing
• Can Eating Fish Be Dangerous? The Facts About Methyl Mercury
• National Listing of Fish Advisories