Description:
Mercury (Hg), a heavy, silvery-white
metal is a naturally occurring metal present worldwide. It is also a common
environmental pollutant that occurs in three forms: metallic (elemental),
inorganic (combined with elements like chlorine, sulfur, and oxygen), and
organic (combined with carbon). Autism, or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is
a neurological disorder that is poorly understood and exhibits an array of
seemingly unrelated features. This article discusses the link between Autism
and mercury poisoning.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss sources of environmental mercury
- Describe the relation of environmental mercury to Autism
Spectrum Disorder
- Identify treatment and prevention steps for mercury exposure
Author(s):
Patrick V. Cuviello, MS, MT(AMT)
Launched: 2004