Toxicological Profile for Mercury

The Federal Government Paper:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) / Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 1999. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp46.html

Review This Federal Government Paper’s Abstract:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp46.html

The Purpose of this Federal Government Paper:
To describe the U.S. toxicological profile of mercury.

Some Background, Methods, Results, Caveats, and Other Select Points:

• This is not a peer-reviewed, scientific paper.
• This federal government paper was first publicly distributed in 1999.
• This 676-page Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) toxicological profile characterizes in relatively few words the toxicologic and bad health effects information for mercury.
• Each peer-reviewed scientific profile identifies and reviews the most important scientific papers that describe mercury’s hazardous properties.
• Other important scientific literature is also presented, but is described in less detail than the most important scientific studies.
• The report answers many questions about mercury including:
  1. What is mercury?
  2. What happens to mercury when it enters the environment?
  3. How might I be exposed to mercury?
  4. How can mercury affect my health?
  5. How likely is mercury to cause cancer?
  6. How does mercury affect children?
  7. How can families reduce the risk of exposure to mercury?
  8. Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to mercury?
  9. Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health from mercury?
  10. Where can I get more information about mercury?

For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737)
FAX: (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov

A Bottom Line:

• Exposure to mercury occurs from breathing certain contaminated air, ingesting certain contaminated water and food, and having certain dental and medical treatments.
• High levels of mercury can harm the human brain, kidneys, and the human infant in the womb.
• Mercury has been found in at least 714 of 1,467 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Find This Federal Government Paper for Your Review:
Toxicological Profile for Mercury. ATSDR / DHHS. 1999. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp46.html