Behavioral and Neurological Effects of Mercury

摘要

Epidemiological studies of the behavioral and neurological effects of mercury (7439976) (Hg) were conducted. A total of 147 workers in chloralkali factories were administered a memory scanning test at selected intervals. Monthly urine specimens were analyzed for Hg over a 12 month period. The 12 month average of urinary Hg was 0 to 0.258mg/l. A significant reduction in the 50 percent threshold span occurred which was correlated with urinary Hg concentrations. Some 138 workers who had average urinary Hg concentrations of 0.15mg/l were given neurological and nerve conduction examinations. Mild sensory neuropathy was observed in most of these workers. The author notes that effects on short term memory function could occur at concentrations below 0.25mg/l Hg.