How the Body Removes Mercury: Mechanisms and Prevention

Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can accumulate in the body through various routes, posing significant health risks. However, the human body has mechanisms to detoxify and eliminate this heavy metal. This article explores the absorption, metabolism, excretion, and management of mercury within the body, as well as the importance of prevention.

Absorption

Mercury can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Once ingested, mercury can take different forms, including elemental, inorganic, and organic. The form of mercury significantly impacts its absorption and subsequent detoxification.

Metabolism and Transformation

Elemental Mercury: This form of mercury is poorly absorbed and can be converted into inorganic mercury by the liver.

Methylmercury: This organic form, commonly found in fish, is more readily absorbed and can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to potential neurological effects.

Excretion

The body eliminates mercury through several excretory pathways:

Biliary Excretion

The liver excretes mercury into bile, which then enters the intestines. This process helps eliminate mercury from the body.

Renal Excretion

The kidneys filter mercury from the blood and expel it in urine, particularly in inorganic forms.

Fecal Excretion

Some mercury is excreted in feces after biliary excretion.

Half-Life of Mercury

The half-life of mercury in the body varies depending on its form. Methylmercury has a longer half-life (about 50 days) compared to inorganic mercury (about 20 days), meaning it can stay in the body longer and accumulate.

Chelation Therapy

In cases of severe mercury poisoning, chelating agents, which are substances that bind to heavy metals, may be used medically to enhance excretion. These agents can help mobilize mercury from tissues and facilitate its elimination.

A Case from a Deep Mercury Mine in Spain:

A notable example occurred in a mercury mine in Spain, where workers were exposed to high levels of mercury due to the mine's heat and depth. To mitigate this, the workers took saunas at the end of their shifts to "sweat out" the mercury they had absorbed. Although there is skepticism about the effectiveness of this method, it highlights the importance of finding alternative ways to manage mercury exposure.

Conclusion:

While the body has mechanisms to remove mercury, high levels of exposure can overwhelm these systems, leading to toxicity. Reducing exposure to mercury is critical for prevention. Knowledge of the body's detoxification processes and the use of chelation therapy can help mitigate the adverse effects of mercury exposure.