Environmental Health Criteria 101: Methylmercury

This report reviews the scientific information on mercury, covering its identity, physical and chemical properties, analytical methods, sources, environmental transport, distribution and transformation. It examines environmental levels and human exposure, including estimated daily intakes, as well as absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and retention in the human body. The report evaluates effects on organisms, experimental animals and in vitro systems, with particular attention to neurotoxicity, reproductive effects, developmental toxicity and carcinogenicity. It also examines human health effects, mechanisms of toxicity, dose-effect relationships, risk assessment, knowledge gaps and preventive measures.