Heavy Metals and Mental Health

Abstract

Mercury is found in the environment as elemental mercury, inorganic mercury or organic mercury (ethyl-, methyl-, alkyl-, or phenylmercury). In our environment it is present in thermometers, thermostats, dental amalgams, paint, cosmetic products, laxatives, diuretics and antiseptics. Organic mercury is the most toxic and most frequent form of mercury exposure, found in fish, poultry, pesticides and insecticides. Up to 80% of inhaled elemental mercury and up to 100% of methylmercury is absorbed and can cross the blood brain barrier.