Occupational and environmental mercury exposure and human reproductive health - a review

Abstract

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. Humans are exposed to mercury through several sources including environmental, occupational, contaminated food and water and from mercury-containing dental amalgam. Mercury exposure is known to harm the nervous system profoundly, and have a negative impact on digestive and immune systems, and other organs. To review and discuss the effect of mercury exposure through environmental or occupational routes on human reproduction, pregnancy, and its outcome. Published information about the potential toxic effects of mercury on human reproduction were collected and summarized. Literature was identified by systematic search using relevant keywords. Literature review revealed a number of negative impacts of mercury on human reproduction. These included effects on semen quality, including reduced sperm count, motility, and changes in morphology that may reduce fertility potential. There may also be an effect in changing reproductive hormone levels. Mercury exposure might also affect pregnancy but the data concerning mercury effects on female reproduction are limited except for some data about mercury exposure and poor pregnancy outcomes. Available data indicate that mercury exposure may have a toxicity effect on reproductive potential, especially in males. Prenatal mercury exposure may affect pregnancy or its outcome and this appears to be dependent upon dose, duration, and timing of exposure. Nutritional status of exposed individual might also influence the impact of mercury.

Reproductive-Toxicity-Related Endpoints in C. elegans Are Consistent with Reduced Concern for Dimethylarsinic Acid Exposure Relative to Inorganic Arsenic

“…In studies using laboratory mammals, both organic and inorganic forms of mercury have demonstrated dose-dependent effects on fertility [ 50 , 51 ]. Organic methylmercury can elicit (or induce) effects on DART endpoints at lower concentrations than inorganic mercury due to its ability to cross the placenta and blood–brain barrier [ 52 , 53 ].…”

“…This C. elegans study assessed progeny to adult ratios, germline apoptosis, and germline epigenetic regulation for DMA and NaAsO 2 , along with inorganic HgCl 2 and organic meHgCl (Table 2), which have more thoroughly studied reproductive effects in mammalian models. In studies using laboratory mammals, both organic and inorganic forms of mercury have demonstrated dose-dependent effects on fertility [50,51]. Organic methylmercury can elicit (or induce) effects on DART endpoints at lower concentrations than inorganic mercury due to its ability to cross the placenta and blood-brain barrier [52,53].…”

Review of the environmental and human health impacts of mercury use in gold mining in the Santurban Paramo area

“…Finally, there is the study by Kumar, Sharma, and Sedha (2022) where male reproductive health is exposed in terms of mercury contamination, especially in the quality of semen, which, having high levels of mercury in the blood, alters the morphological percentage of spermatozoa. In the ACSe of women, there are problems in pregnancy, complications in the development of babies, alterations in the menstrual cycle and miscarriages (Kumar et 2022).…”

“…Finally, there is the study by Kumar, Sharma, and Sedha (2022) where male reproductive health is exposed in terms of mercury contamination, especially in the quality of semen, which, having high levels of mercury in the blood, alters the morphological percentage of spermatozoa. In the ACSe of women, there are problems in pregnancy, complications in the development of babies, alterations in the menstrual cycle and miscarriages (Kumar et 2022). In the study carries out by Diwa, Deocaris, Geraldo, and Belo (2022) the ecological and health impacts of heavy metals from a mercury mine are evaluated, in which the probability of adverse effects for adults and children is suggested, with an average contribution of heavy metals of 38.8% for adults and children (Diwa et al, 2022).…”

Impacts associated with the plastic polymers polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polybutadiene across their life cycle: A review

“…Bio-PVC otherwise still require similar considerations as fossil carbon-based PVC materials for the rest of their life cycle as detailed below. Production & Manufacturing Monomer production Mercury – About 50 metric tons utilised in 2020 [ 183 ] by older technologies that are still operational for chlorine production [ 184 ]; also used as a catalyst for production of vinyl chloride monomer [ 185 ] Highly hazardous chemical, classified as a reproductive toxicant [ 4 , 186 ] – released into the air, water, and landfills from mercury cell plants [ 187 ], leading to occupational exposures [ 188 ], potential exposures in fenceline communities [ 189 ], and potential health impacts, even at low levels [ 190 ]. Asbestos – About 100–800 metric tons [ 191 ] is used by older technologies for chlorine production [ 184 ] per year A carcinogen [ [192] , [193] , [194] ] – released into the air and landfills from asbestos diaphragm cell plants [ 187 ] and there is potential for occupational exposure [ 191 ].…”