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Mercury (Hg ):

Mercury is an element that exists in three forms: as a free metallic (liquid or vapor), an inorganic compound (mercury salt), and as a variety of organic compounds (the most common of which is methyl mercury). This test measures the amount of mercury present in blood, urine, or (rarely) hair to detect acute or chronic excessive exposure.

Mercury is found in small quantities throughout the environment. It is released by the breakdown of minerals in rocks and soils and as a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion and waste incineration. It is inhaled with the air that we breathe, absorbed through the skin, and ingested with food

Mercury inhalation effects

Exposure to excessive amounts of mercury can be toxic. The amount of mercury absorbed by an individual and its effects on their health depends on the type of mercury, its concentration, and the exposure time. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), very little metallic mercury (less than 0.01%) is absorbed by the body, even if it is swallowed. However, if the same mercury is inhaled as a vapor, about 80% is absorbed into the bloodstream. About 95% of methyl mercury (the type found in fish and other seafood) is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The most common source of human exposure to methyl mercury is as a result of eating contaminated seafood.

Fish that come from contaminated waters and larger predator fish that have eaten smaller fish may have significantly increased levels of methyl mercury. This is why it is recommended that you know the source of the fish you consume and that you limit the quantity of large predator fish you eat.

Once mercury is absorbed, it finds its way into a variety of body organs, including the kidneys and brain. The body will slowly rid itself of mercury through the urine and stool, but if excessive amounts are present, it can permanently damage the kidneys, nervous system, and brain.

Pregnant women with elevated levels of mercury can pass it on to their fetus, affecting development, especially the fetus brain, kidneys, and nerves. Mercury can be passed from mother to baby through breast milk during nursing.

الزئبق

الزئبق عنصر ثقيل يوجد فى ثلاث اشكال معدن وسائل وبخار وهذا الاختبار يقيس كمية الزئبق الموجودة بالدم والبول ونادرا يوجد بالشعر ويوجد الزئبق بكميات ضئيلة فى البيئة ولكن ينتج عن تفتت الصخور مما يؤدى الى استنشاقه

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