What causes excessive mercury levels in the body?
Disease description:
During my examination, I was found to have excessive mercury levels. What causes excessive mercury in the body?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Excess mercury in the body is usually caused by environmental mercury pollution. Mercury is a heavy metal that exists naturally, but industrial activities, mineral extraction, waste incineration, and other processes can significantly increase its concentration in the environment. The main contributing factors can be summarized as follows:
1. Occupational exposure: Individuals engaged in specific occupations, such as industries using mercury as a catalyst, may be exposed to high levels of mercury over long periods if proper protective measures are not taken, leading to elevated mercury levels in the body.
2. Environmental pollution: Mercury pollution in the environment, such as industrial emissions, coal burning, and garbage incineration, can all lead to excessive mercury intake by the human body.
3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: The use of cosmetics containing mercury, long-term consumption of mercury-containing medications, and eating food contaminated with mercury may all cause elevated mercury levels in the body.
4. Impact of diseases: Certain diseases, such as chronic nephritis, may affect the kidneys' ability to metabolize and excrete mercury, resulting in increased mercury levels in the body.
It is recommended to choose fish with low mercury content for consumption and avoid using products containing mercury. If symptoms of discomfort occur, seek medical attention promptly.
