Sources of Mercury Exposure to Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Kampalath, Rita Ann; Jay, Jennifer A.

doi:10.5696/i2156-9614-5-8.33

Cited by 14 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 141 publications

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“…Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxic contaminant generated through methylation of the heavy metal mercury in aquatic environments, where it then enters the aquatic food chain. Human exposure to MeHg occurs mainly in low doses through consumption of contaminated fish and seafood [1]. Human prenatal exposure to low levels of MeHg was linked to early-life neurotoxicity outcomes, including deficits in motor function [2,3], and lasting neurobehavioural impairments [4][5][6][7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental Exposure to Low Concentrations of Methylmercury Causes Increase in Anxiety-Related Behaviour and Locomotor Impairments in Zebrafish

Glazer

Brennan

2021

IJMS

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Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous pollutant shown to cause developmental neurotoxicity, even at low levels. However, there is still a large gap in our understanding of the mechanisms linking early-life exposure to life-long behavioural impairments. Our aim was to characterise the short- and long-term effects of developmental exposure to low doses of MeHg on anxiety-related behaviours in zebrafish, and to test the involvement of neurological pathways related to stress-response. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to sub-acute doses of MeHg (0, 5, 10, 15, 30 nM) throughout embryo-development, and tested for anxiety-related behaviours and locomotor activity at larval (light/dark locomotor activity) and adult (novel tank and tap assays) life-stages. Exposure to all doses of MeHg caused increased anxiety-related responses; heightened response to the transition from light to dark in larvae, and a stronger dive response in adults. In addition, impairment in locomotor activity was observed in the higher doses in both larvae and adults. Finally, the expressions of several neural stress-response genes from the HPI-axis and dopaminergic system were found to be disrupted in both life-stages. Our results provide important insights into dose-dependent differences in exposure outcomes, the development of delayed effects over the life-time of exposed individuals and the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental Exposure to Low Concentrations of Methylmercury Causes Increase in Anxiety-Related Behaviour and Locomotor Impairments in Zebrafish

Glazer

Brennan

2021

IJMS

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“…It is found in three forms with different toxicities: elemental, inorganic and organic [2]. One of the most common uses of mercury is for the extraction of gold from gold-containing ores [3]. Mercury alters the physiological and the biochemical functions of living organisms, and causes a wide range of clinical symptoms in occupationally exposed workers [4,5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Mercury Exposure Associated with Artisanal Gold Miners in Sudan

Tayrab¹,

Elrahim²,

Elameen³

et al. 2016

Int J Earth Environ Sci

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Background: Mercury concentration in the blood is one of mercury exposure biomarkers. This study was conducted in Abuhamed mining area in Sudan, during the period from August 2012 to November 2014.The aim of the study was to evaluate serum mercury levels and to assess lung functions in artisanal gold miners. Methods: The study included 123 subjects, of them 83 were working in the gold mining area, beside 50 healthy volunteers from Khartoum State, as control group. Serum mercury was measured by direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). Lung function tests were done with a portable spirometer. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Results:The study observed significant increase in serum mercury levels in the gold miners, when compared with control group (24.9 ± 32.24µg/l) versus (1.40 ± 0.94µg/l) with P value (0.000). The mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) in the gold miners was (3.24 ± 0.57) versus (3.40 ± 0.39) in the control group, while the mean forced vital capacity (FVC) in the mercury exposed miners was (3.7 ± 0.69) versus (3.86 ± 0.60) in non-exposed control group. Conclusion: Serum mercury levels significantly increase in the traditional gold miners working in Abuhamed, while forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) decrease but with no statistical significance.

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“…Some caregivers have been documented to apply skin-lightening agents onto children's skin. 42,43 In addition to this, typical childhood behaviour places children in the homes of users at risk of direct contact with the skin lightening agents they may have skin contact with and/or ingest. 43 Children have thinner skin than adults and are likely to absorb more mercury into their bloodstream.…”

Section: Direct Contactmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…42,43 In addition to this, typical childhood behaviour places children in the homes of users at risk of direct contact with the skin lightening agents they may have skin contact with and/or ingest. 43 Children have thinner skin than adults and are likely to absorb more mercury into their bloodstream. 8 Additional factors that increase the absorption of IJMS mercury from skin lightening agents include hydration of skin, higher frequency of application, higher external temperature, and surface area over which the agent is applied.…”

Section: Direct Contactmentioning

confidence: 99%

Childhood effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to mercurial skin lightening agents. Literature Review

et al. 2021

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Children's exposure to mercurial skin lightening agents at any time during their development, from intra-uterine to early developmental life, can lead to severe detrimental health effects. This is because these skin lightening agents contain inorganic mercury as their active ingredient at varying concentrations that exceed acceptable levels. Mercury does not confer any physiological benefit to the human body, and as such, it has only been linked to numerous adverse effects on users and may pose a possible health risk for children born to, living with, and in contact with skin bleaching agent users. Although studies have shown that inorganic mercury exposure may be detrimental to children, there is a paucity of data, to the best of our knowledge, on reviews exploring specifically the possible routes of exposure to and effects of mercurial skin lightening agents on children. Since prevention is the only key to reducing mercury poisoning and toxicity, this study aims to extensively review the literature on prenatal and postnatal exposure to mercury in children from cosmetic skin lightening agents and discuss possible detrimental effects.

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Sources of Mercury Exposure to Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Cited by 14 publications

References 141 publications

Developmental Exposure to Low Concentrations of Methylmercury Causes Increase in Anxiety-Related Behaviour and Locomotor Impairments in Zebrafish

Developmental Exposure to Low Concentrations of Methylmercury Causes Increase in Anxiety-Related Behaviour and Locomotor Impairments in Zebrafish

Human Mercury Exposure Associated with Artisanal Gold Miners in Sudan

Childhood effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to mercurial skin lightening agents. Literature Review

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