The toxicology of mercury and its compounds

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2012 Oct;26(4):215-26. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2012.02.004. Epub 2012 Jun 2.

Abstract

A concentrated review on the toxicology of inorganic mercury together with an extensive review on the neurotoxicology of methylmercury is presented. The challenges of using inorganic mercury in dental amalgam are reviewed both regarding the occupational exposure and the possible health problems for the dental patients. The two remaining "mysteries" of methylmercury neurotoxicology are also being reviewed; the cellular selectivity and the delayed onset of symptoms. The relevant literature on these aspects has been discussed and some suggestions towards explaining these observations have been presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dental Amalgam / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Mercury / toxicity*
  • Nervous System / drug effects

Substances

  • Dental Amalgam
  • Mercury