Chronic low-level exposure to toxic metals can result in significant retention in the body that can be associated with a vast array of adverse health effects and chronic disease. The comparison of urine element concentrations before and after administration of a chelator can be used to estimate net retention of potentially toxic elements.
Early signs of mercury (Hg) exposure include decreased sensory perceptions, metallic taste, fatigue, lack of endurance and increased salivation. Moderate or chronic exposure may lead to hypertension, irritability, immune dysregulation, tremors, incoordination, anaemia, psychoses, manic behaviour, autoimmune disorders and renal dysfunction and failure. Mercury is commonly found in sources such as dental amalgams, vaccines, thermometers, batteries, some medications, Ayurveic herbs, fungicides, pesticides and industrial plants. Methylmercury, the most common, organic form of Hg, occurs by methylation of inorganic Hg in aquatic biota or sediments. Accumulating in aquatic animals and fish it concentrates up the food chain reaching large fish and predatory birds.
