Whole blood mercury levels are within the normal reference range, which suggests no recent excessive exposure. However, values in the high-normal range may still warrant investigation to identify and reduce possible sources of mercury exposure.

Overview of Mercury Toxicity

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that exists in three primary forms in the body:

• Elemental mercury

• Inorganic mercury

• Organic mercury (primarily methylmercury, MeHg)

Exposure to high levels of mercury can result in symptoms such as:

• Impaired balance and coordination

• Hearing loss

• Speech difficulties

• Tingling or numbness due to peripheral nerve damage

When selenium or zinc levels are low in the presence of elevated mercury, it's important to increase these nutrients to support the body's antioxidant defense systems. Mercury strongly binds to sulfur and selenium-containing proteins, particularly in the brain, where its half-life may exceed 20 years.

Fecal mercury (Hg) provides a good indication of recent or ongoing exposure to elemental Hg, and to a much lesser extent Hg that has been excreted from the body in bile. Data collected at Doctor’s Data indicates a linear association between fecal Hg concentration and the number of amalgams currently in the mouth. Fecal Hg for subjects with 9 to 11 dental amalgams in place was 20-times greater than that
of subjects without any dental amalgams in place (0.60 and 0.03 g/gram dry weight, respectively). Dental amalgams typically contain about 50% elemental Hg, and constant abrasion associated with chewing and bruxism releases very small particles of Hg which are poorly absorbed (about 5%) in the gastrointestinal tract. A direct association between fecal Hg levels and health has not been established, but a land mark study of amalgam placement in monkeys indicated there was an associated induction of co-resistance to both Hg and antibiotics by pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly for species in the Enterobacteriaceae family. Such was also reported for miners exposed to elemental Hg while working in gold mines.

SOURCES:

Mercury (Hg) has three forms:

Elemental (metallic)- older glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, dental amalgams, folk remedies, combustion, electrical industry (switches, batteries, thermostats), solvents, wood processing

Organic (methyl mercury)- seafood, thimerosal (preservative), fungicides

Inorganic- skin lightening compounds, industrial exposure, folk medicine, lamps, photography, disinfectants

Mercury is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body through environmental exposure, diet (such as fish and shellfish), dental fillings, or industrial contact. Hair testing for mercury offers insights into long-term exposure and potential retention in tissues. Detecting abnormal levels of mercury in hair can guide detoxification strategies and address symptoms linked to mercury toxicity or deficiency.

The fungicide/pesticide use of mercury has declined due to environmental concerns, but mercury residues persist in the environment. Emissions from coalfired power plants and hospital/municipal incinerators are significant sources of mercury pollution.

Methylmercury, the most common, organic form of mercury, occurs by methylation of inorganic Hg in aquatic biota or sediments (both freshwater and ocean sediments).

Methylmercury accumulates in aquatic animals and fish and is concentrated up the food chain reaching highest concentrations in large fish and predatory birds.

Except for fish, the human intake of dietary mercury is negligible unless the food is contaminated with one of the previously listed forms/sources. Daily ingestion of fish can result in the assimilation of 1 to 10 micrograms of mercury/day.

Depending upon the extent of cumulative mercury exposure, elevated levels of urine mercury may occur after administration of DMPS, DMSA or D-penicillamine. Blood and especially red blood cell elemental analyses are useful for assessing recent or ongoing exposure to organic (methyl) mercury.

Mercury is a heavy metal that can be toxic to the body at elevated levels. Hair analysis for mercury, as seen on the Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair) test panel, offers insight into chronic or past exposure to mercury, especially over the previous weeks to months.

Why Mercury Is Tested in Hair

Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is commonly used to assess long-term exposure to heavy metals like mercury. Unlike blood or urine, which reflect recent exposure, hair provides a timeline of accumulation, giving a broader view of how much mercury your body has been exposed to over time.

SOURCES:

Mercury (Hg) has three forms:

Elemental (metallic)- older glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, dental amalgams, folk remedies, combustion, electrical industry (switches, batteries, thermostats), solvents, wood processing

Organic (methyl mercury)- seafood, thimerosal (preservative), fungicides

Inorganic- skin lightening compounds, industrial exposure, folk medicine, lamps, photography, disinfectants

Mercury intoxication is associated with a triad of symptoms: (1) mental changes, (2) spontaneous tremor and deficits in psychomotor performance, and (3) stomatitis and gingivitis. The toxic effects of mercury have been associated with neurological dysfunction, dementia, and autoimmune diseases. Although research suggests that the etiology of autism is multifactorial, numerous reports demonstrate that aspects of mercury toxicity appear similar to autism symptomatology.

According to the CDC, mercury released from amalgams may comprise up to 75% of an individual’s mercury exposure. Methylmercury from seafood is considered to be the most important source of non-occupational human mercury exposure. Blood mercury has revealed low level chronic and acute exposure from work environments. Significant exposure is evident when whole blood alkyl mercury is greater than 50 μg/L, or when inorganic mercury (Hg2+) exposure is greater than 200 μg/L. Children’s reference values for whole blood mercury from 1.5 to 1.0 μg/L have been proposed. Risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was found to be nearly 10 times higher when blood mercury was above 29 nmol/L. The quantity of mercury assayed in blood and hair, but not urine, correlates with the severity of toxicity symptoms.

Hair mercury (Hg) is an excellent indiator of exposure to methylmercury from fish. Mercury is toxic to humans and animals. Individuals vary greatly in sensitivity and tolerance to Hg burden.

SOURCES:

Mercury (Hg) has three forms:

Elemental (metallic)- older glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, dental amalgams, folk remedies, combustion, electrical industry (switches, batteries, thermostats), solvents, wood processing

Organic (methyl mercury)- seafood, thimerosal (preservative), fungicides

Inorganic- skin lightening compounds, industrial exposure, folk medicine, lamps, photography, disinfectants

Mercury is often abbreviated Hg. It may be breathed in, ingested or absorbed through the skin and is toxic. As a vapor, mercury is odorless. 

Urinary mercury testing is considered a very accurate way to assess whether or not you have been exposed to the inorganic form of the heavy metal. There is also an organic form of mercury, which can become toxic in the body but this form of mercury is best detected in a blood test sample.

A urine mercury test measures mercury excretion from the body over 24 hours, both before and after a “provocation” or “detox” compound is ingested. A provocation compound increases the excretion of a substance such as toxic metals. EDTA, DMSA, and DMPS are examples of provocation compounds. 

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal element. It exists in three forms: elemental, inorganic, and organic. All three of these forms of mercury can be toxic, causing several health problems.

Mercury is an element that is found all over the earth, in soil, rocks, and water. The issue with mercury is that if humans are exposed to it, depending on the amount, route, and duration of exposure, mercury can be toxic to humans.