There are other routes of mercury exposure as well: fish and shellfish, skin lightening creams, and pharmaceutical preservatives, for example. ( source 1, source 2) It is estimated that about 80% of the inhaled mercury vapor is absorbed by the lungs and dispersed throughout the body. ( source) Though they were once believed to be inert, current research shows chewing, drinking hot liquids, brushing teeth and other activities releases mercury vapor from amalgams. What are the most common sources of mercury?Īccording to the World Health Organization, dental amalgams are the primary source of mercury exposure for individuals who have “silver” fillings. I wrote more about what experts have to say on the risks of mercury exposure here. ( source) It is considered a risk factor for autoimmune disorders in women of childbearing age and has been implicated in a variety of other disorders. Mercury can cause organ damage, immune system damage, and cognitive problems. Once released, it can circulate in the environment indefinitely – a fact which has sparked an international effort to reduce mercury emissions. Though it’s a naturally occurring element (oddly, the only metal that is liquid at room temperature), it was only present in very small amounts in the surface environment until the past century, when industrial activities began releasing it on a massive scale. It’s been described in lots of ways throughout history, but these days just about everyone from the CDC to the World Health Organization seems to be on the same page about one thing – it’s highly toxic. Quicksilver, atomic number 80, hydrargyrum.

Mercury poison detox