5 Scary Truths about Mercury

Posted: 22 Dec 2014 08:00 AM PST

Governments around the world recognize mercury as a highly-toxic pollutant and neurodegenerative agent. Despite this knowledge, mercury continues to proliferate our environment. If that's not bad enough, many of our doctors and elected representatives continue to support the use of mercury. If you think you can avoid mercury simply by not eating fish, think again. The problem with mercury is very real, and this issue may be closer to home than you realize. The following 6 truths about mercury aren't here to scare you, but are here to help you arm yourself with the knowledge that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Mercury: A Leading Contributor to Dementia?

The EPA and CDC recognize mercury as a known neurotoxin. Studies show mercury exposure lowers mental abilities such as short- and long-term memory, spatial reasoning, and attention. ^[1] Research continues into the different ways it destroys the brain, but one thing is clear: mercury interferes with proper mental functioning.

One study cited its destructive effect on the liver in connection with dementia. ^[2] Although the liver suffered the initial damage, the result of it was a buildup of plaque on the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease. ^[3] ^[4] As research continues to build the link between mercury exposure and dementia, the need to cut exposure and remove mercury from the body may be even more urgent.

2. Mercury is More Prevalent than Previously Thought

Mercury can be found practically everywhere: batteries, fluorescent and CFL light bulbs, and LCDs contain mercury. And even if you cleanse your living space of mercury-containing products, recent research has discovered two-and-a-half times more mercury than previously thought. Scientists originally thought we had released 740,000 metric tons into the environment since 1850. Research published in Science Magazine reports that today's number is at least 1.26 metric tons. ^[5] Our environment is completely awash in this dangerous compound.

Once released into the environment, mercury doesn't leave. Mining has released tons of mercury into the food chain. Latex paint contained mercury compounds until 1991, and the manufacture of vinyl and plastics require vinyl chloride, a compound that releases mercury into the environment. Easy routes for human exposure to mercury include illegal dumping, consumption of fish, dental amalgams for fillings, and broken CFL light bulbs. ^[6]

3. Mercury Continues to Pollute Waterways

Local waterways continue to see high levels of mercury. This is often a result of illegal dumping of mercury waste. Residents in Duluth, Minnesota, recently accused local officials of protecting industry over the health of children. State health officials reported 1 in 100 infants had mercury levels high enough to cause brain damage. ^[7] A test of residents in Michigan found those who consumed locally-caught fish had higher than average levels of mercury. ^[8]

4. Dental Procedures Are Common Sources of Mercury

According to the EPA, up to 120,000 dental offices throughout the United States use mercury in amalgam fillings. ^[9] The EPA reports nearly all of these offices release waste water to sewage treatment plants where the contaminated water mixes with the public water supply. ^[10] About 40-50% of the dentists in the US use amalgam separators to meet state and local requirements to reduce mercury contamination of the local water supplies. That leaves 50% or more dentists still releasing mercury into the water supply.

5. Supplements Made in China are High in Mercury

In 1999, China accounted for nearly 28% of the world's mercury pollution. ^[11] That was even before the Chinese economic boom of the last decade! China currently produces about 75% of the world's mercury, ^[12] and the Chinese workers bear the brunt of it. Many who work in the mercury industry suffer the debilitating effects of mercury poisoning – tremors in the hands, mental confusion, and agitation.

But the land and the people also suffer. In an area called Wanshan, mercury pollution has led to levels of 278.5 mg of mercury per kilogram of soil. The standard, acceptable level is 1.5 mg per kilogram. ^[13] The Chinese government claims to have taken steps to address the excessive pollution; however, with mercury pollution rampant throughout China, you may want to pause and consider possible safety concerns for any food or supplement products you have or might buy.

One Final Thought

The human body is poorly designed to handle mercury, but it can in small amounts. The body's own super-antioxidant and toxin remover – glutathione – will remove mercury at small doses. The problem is removing mercury drains glutathione levels. To counter this, eat foods and take supplements that support liver health. Carrots, beets, tomatoes, spinach, walnuts, and grapefruit help maintain glutathione levels. I also recommend a regular liver cleansing detox to reduce stress and promote healing for the liver.

What are your thoughts on mercury? Was there anything here that was surprising to you? Let us know in the comments!