Advances in Methylmercury Toxicology and Risk Assessment

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that affects the health of both humans and ecosystems. Wildlife and humans are exposed to Hg primarily through diet in the form of methylmercury (MeHg) because MeHg bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in the food web. Among Hg species, MeHg toxicity is significantly more damaging to the nervous system in early developmental stages because it leads to alterations in both structure and function. Even at low doses, prenatal exposure to MeHg can disrupt fetal brain development leading to long-term effects even in adulthood