Mercury > Mercury compounds > Mercury toxicity and health effects

Mercury Toxicity and Health Effects

Mercury is very toxic. It is mostly known as a neurotoxin, meaning that it harms the brain and nervous system. However, mercury is also linked to kidney and liver damage and possibly cancer. Children are especially at risk because of their brains and bodies are still developing. Many of the health effects of mercury can be permanent.

Mercury Public Health Statement and ToxFAQ on Mercury from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Health effects of mercury – Department of Health provides information on mercury and health.

Fish consumption advisories and healthy choice guides – Department of Health from the Washington State Department of Health

Mercurio (Azogue) ToxFAQs en Español de la Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Mercury Where You Live discusses mercury at the Environmental Protection Agency.

When it rains, airborne mercury deposits into lakes and steams. Some of the mercury is converted into methyl mercury, a highly stable compound that contaminates our water and our marine life. The methyl mercury concentrates up the food chain, especially in certain fish where it can affect the health of people who eat them. Infants, children and pregnant or nursing mothers must take special precautions to minimize mercury exposure from fish.

Related information

Mercury Studies Team at the United States Geological Survey

United Nations Mercury Programme from the United Nations Environment Programme