Mercury allergy is the result of over exposure of mercury which is a heavy metal that is seriously toxic to our health. Several studies have shown that over exposure to mercury may lead to many diseases and poisonous to the central nervous system which can result in irritability, fatigue, headaches etc.
Mercury exposure also have negative effect on the cardiovascular disease which leads to increase in high blood pressure in humans and animals.
We have different types of mercury’s such as inorganic, organic, metallic or elemental mercury and every mercury has its different properties. It takes time for mercury levels to build up in the blood. Mercury cannot build up in two or three days.
Sea food like fish is a rich source for mercury.When you eat sea food, 95% of the mercury can be absorbed in the blood stream which travels through the body and penetrate into cells of various tissues and organs and it remains there for years.This results in becoming poisonous.
Before going to symptoms of mercury allergy we need to know exactly what is mercury, its types and symptoms.
Mercury
Mercury is naturally occurring element which can be found in air, soil and water. It is released in the environment with natural phenomenons such as volcanic eruptions.
Burning of hazardous waste which produces chlorine and breaking of many mercury products also leads to increase of mercury in the environment.
Types of Mercury
Mercury can be found in three forms.
- Elemental mercury
- Methyl mercury
- Inorganic and organic mercury
Elemental mercury can be found in thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs or electrical switches.Elemental mercury over exposure may lead to chronic symptoms such as
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Difficulty in breathing
- Vomiting
- Bad cough
Methyl mercury is found in industrial byproduct and microbial produce, when elemental and vaporized mercury reaches water.
This methyl mercury enters into the fish and it cannot be removed from the tissues of the fish, people who consume this fish in large amounts may suffer from mercury toxicity.
The symptoms of methyl mercury are as follows
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Muscles twitching
Organic mercury is found in fish and coal. Over exposure to this mercury may lead to symptoms such as
- Inability in walking
- Memory problems
- Blindness
- Double vision
Inorganic memory is a result of corrosion. At some or other point mercury in the dental amalgam is swallowed which leads to formation of inorganic mercury.
The symptoms of mercury allergy have been explained in details by dividing it into several parts to understand easily.
Respiration Problems
About 80% of respiratory problems occur by inhaling the mercury vapors which are absorbed through the lungs in our body.
The presence of mercury in the lungs cause chronic diseases including
- Asthma
- Bad breath
- Bronchitis
- Difficulty in breathing
Difficulty in Brain Functioning
Mercury is readily absorbed into the nerves and brain that regulate all the functions of the body. It can damage the central nervous system which controls the function of nerves and hormone systems.
The effect of mercury in brain includes:
- Brain fog
- Poor memory
- Difficulty in finding words
- Difficulty in remembering things
- Lack of initiative
- Mercury also leads to changes in mood
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Fits of anger
- Loss of self confidence
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling easily embarrassed
Cardiovascular and Heart Problems
Mercury collects in the heart muscles may lead to increase in blood pressure and it is strongly associated with elevated levels of cholesterol and heart attacks.
Mercury also causes weakening of the walls of the blood vessels leading to reduced blood supply to the organs and tissues.
The symptoms of cardiovascular problems are as follows:
- Feeling faint
- Irregular heart beat
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Low or high blood pressure
- Easy bleeding and bruising
Oral Cavity Problems
High concentration of mercury can be found in jaw bones and soft tissues of your mouth.
Some of the symptoms of oral cavity having mercury are as follows:
- Mouth ulcers
- Bleeding gums
- Loss in sense of taste
- Inflammation in mouth
- Metallic taste
For Skin and Hair
Skin is the major route of excretion; the symptoms through the skin are as follows
- Dry skin
- Itchy rashes
- Excessive perspiration
- Puffy face
- Red flaky skin around the eyes
Nasal Congestion
Mercury from amalgam filling adheres into the nose then directly transported to the brain and cause the following symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- Poor sense of smell
- Chronic sinusitis
- Chronic tonsillitis
Eye Problems
Mercury collected within the eyeballs affects the muscles controlling focusing of the eyes and lens and these include the following symptoms
- Poor vision
- Blindness
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty in focusing
Digestive System
Most of the dental amalgam is taken or swallowed by food which affects the digestive system. Mercury binds with the walls of the digestive enzymes which lead to poor digestion and food intolerance.
Digestive symptoms of mercury allergy include
- Nausea
- Heart burn
- Gas problems
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Constipation and diarrhea
Reproductive and Sexual Problems
Mercury collected in the reproductive organs may lead to variety of disorders.
Some of them include:
- Infertility
- Severe period pains
- Miss carriages
- Impotence
- Premature ejaculation
Urinary System
Mercury filling in amalgam may also result in severe impact on kidney functions. Some of the symptoms include:
- Kidney damage
- Frequent urination
- Various kidney and bladder diseases.
How to Reduce Mercury Release in the Environment?
Mercury emissions can be released during the burning process; according to 2011 survey to reduce mercury release in the environment EPA has published limited specific pollutants emissions.
It can also be reduced by reducing the consumption of raw materials and products generating mercury releases and providing substitutions for non mercury alternatives.