Mercury Induced Autism

Mercury (Hg), a heavy metal, is widespread and persistent in the environment. Among other effects, exposure to hazardous Hg levels can cause permanent neurological and renal impairment. Elemental Hg, or inorganic Hg, is released into the air or water from sources such as coal-burning power plants or manufacturing facilities, and it becomes methylated in the environment where it accumulates in animal tissues and increases in concentration through the food chain. The US population is primarily exposed to methyl-Hg by eating fish. This exposure to methyl-Hg is of great concern because fetuses are highly susceptible to Hg’s adverse effects. In addition, numerous prescription and over-the-counter drugs have contained, or continue to contain, inorganic or organic forms of Hg. As a result, Hg is a ubiquitous source of danger in drugs for the eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin; in bleaching creams; as a preservative in cosmetics, tooth paste, lens solutions, vaccines, allergy test, and immunotherapy solutions; in antiseptics, disinfectants, and contraceptives; in fungicides and herbicides; in dental fillings and thermometers; and many other products (Geier et al. 2008a, 2010). Environmental studies and human studies warn of increasing Hg levels. According to the 2002 United States (US) Department of Interior/US Geological