Mercury can be harmful to a pregnant woman if she comes into high levels of this metal. It can cause damage to different parts of the body including the kidney, lungs and nervous system. It can also cause vision and hearing problems. The extent of damage depends on how much  you are exposed to. This metal  can cause brain damage, hearing and vision problems to your unborn child.
 

 

How can you be exposed to mercury ?

There are several ways someone can get exposed . People get exposed through

• the skin by touching it
• air by breathing it in
• eating or drinking food contaminated with it

How can you keep yourself safe from mercury ?

 
These tips may help reduce your risk of coming into contact with this metal.

• don’t eat foods with high amounts of mercury. These include swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tilefish
• do not use  vacuum cleaner to clean mercury spill
• ask your dentist about filling options if you need one. You may be able to have a mercury free filling .It is essential not to have any mercury filling removed unless they are damaged or broken. It is important  to let your dentist know if you are pregnant before having any dental work done
• if you have a high chance of being exposed to mercury at work, talk to your employer about safety precautions. People who work at the dentist office, chemical , electrical or mining company or use mercury to make products are at high risk

 
NOTE

Methylmercury is when mercury in the air get into water. You can get methyl mercury in your body by eating fish that contains high levels of mercury. The fishes include large fishes like swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. You should avoid these fishes during pregnancy because this metal can harm the unborn child.

Elemental mercury is a shiny silver-colored substance. It may be found in the following :

• fever thermometers
• dental fillings made of amalgam
• some jewelry such as glass pendants made out of the USA
• some button cell batteries
• some antiques like clocks and mirrors
• skin lightening creams made outside the USA

 
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