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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Chemical Found In: Mercury (Hg) is a heavy chemical element that is emitted to the air by human activities, such as manufacturing or burning coal for fuel, and from natural sources, such as volcanoes. It is deposited, via ecosystem transport, into lakes and oceans, where it bioaccumulates in fish. According to the US EPA, "nearly all methylmercury exposures in the U.S. occur through eating fish and shellfish." In addition, mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, float valves, mercury switches, and other devices where exposure can occur with device breakage. It is also found in amalgam material for dental restorations, energyefficient light bulbs, and is used in scientific research applications.