Immunotoxic effects of mercury

Abstract

Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Exposures to mercury occur globally and pose significant threats to human health. Mercury toxicity to the nervous system has been extensively studied, and risks to human health as a result of mercury exposure have been evaluated on this basis, especially for exposures at high doses. Data from experimental models, such as rodent systems, suggest that mercury may also have a significant effect on the function of the immune system. However, little is known about the risks posed to human health as a result of mercury immunotoxicity, mainly due to variations in dose, route of exposure, and differences between the rodent and human immune systems. The evidence for mercury as an immunotoxic agent is reviewed here, specifically in the context of human exposures to mercury and the relevance of models of mercury immunotoxicity to human health. In light of evidence that mercury may affect the immune system, the influence of the immune system in other organ systems targeted by mercury is also reviewed.