Health Risk Linked to Mercury Toxicity in Food and Environment

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that poses significant risks to human health. The toxicity of mercury to humans depends on the specific form of mercury, the dosage, and the rate of exposure. Inhaled mercury vapor primarily affects the brain, while mercurous and mercuric salts primarily damage the gastrointestinal lining and kidneys. Methyl mercury, on the other hand, is distributed throughout the body. In this chapter, different sources of mercury contamination in the food and environment are described. Different pathways of mercury contamination in food and effect of mercury poisoning on health is also described.