Question

What is methylmercury known to be?

• A. A growth stimulant
• B. A potent neurotoxic chemical
• C. A beneficial nutrient
• D. An anti-inflammatory agent

Answer 1

Answer:

B. A potent neurotoxic chemical

• Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxic chemical. Unborn children (i.e. fetuses) are the most susceptible population group, the exposure being mainly from fish in the diet of the mother.

• Methylmercury is also excreted in mothers' milk.

• Human biomonitoring and diet-modelling data indicate that tolerable dietary intakes of methylmercury are exceeded among sub populations that consume large amounts of fish.

• E.g. in Scandinavia, North America and France