If a woman is exposed to high levels of mercury during pregnancy, her health and that of her baby are in danger. Mercury is a kind of metal that can be found in nature in many forms. It is shiny, silvery-white in color and is used in thermometers. It can evaporate and discolor and is odorless. They can form compounds harmful to human health by combining with other substances.
How to Expose to Mercury You can be exposed to mercury by breathing in the air, food and drink. Mercury can also enter the body through the skin.
Mercury is in the air we breathe. It is also released into the air in the following ways.
- Burning garbage
- Burning coal in power plants
- Certain industrial processes
Fish absorb mercury from the seas, and humans are exposed to it when they eat fish. Other ways people are exposed to mercury;
- Dental fillings
- Broken thermometers
- Broken fluorescent lamps and high-intensity bulbs
Health Disadvantages of Exposure to Mercury:
Mercury; The nervous system can affect many parts of the body, such as the lungs, kidneys, vision and hearing. The severity of the condition depends on the level of mercury a person is exposed to. Fetuses and children are at increased risk.
Babies exposed to mercury while still in the womb can have their nervous system seriously affected, and the result can be death. They may also experience brain damage, learning disabilities, and hearing loss.
Eating Fish During Pregnancy: Eating fish containing a lot of mercury is known to cause health problems. This risk is especially for the fetus.
Work and Mercury: Pregnant women should not work in jobs that may be exposed to liquid or vapor of mercury.
Dental Fillings and Mercury: Some dental fillings contain mercury. When these fillings are placed or removed from the tooth, they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor can also be released when chewing gum. Some people wonder if mercury dental fillings affect the nervous system of the fetus. Should pregnant women avoid them? According to a 2009 study, mercury fillings are safe for most people, including pregnant women. If you are pregnant and need a filling in your tooth, get advice from your dentist. If mercury fillings are not broken or damaged, they do not need to be removed because mercury is released during removal.
Avoiding Broken Thermometer, Fluorescent Lamp, and High-Intensity Light Bulbs: If you are pregnant, have another adult handle such items. Do not let children handle it.
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