PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2

Abstract

Mercury as a Teratogen is a white paper that addresses the varying pathways of exposure to mercury and the ensuing damaging effects that mercury can exert on fetal development. It strongly emphasizes the pervasiveness of methylmercury in fish and prescribes measures through which one can include fish in diets that carry less risk. Furthermore, it addresses the risks of development with mercury as a teratogen, including cognitive dysfunction and visual and auditory impairment. Furthermore, the paper addresses the economic burden of accommodating developmental abnormality and offers recommendations on minimizing methylmercury exposure.

Mercury is a teratogen.

Numerous factors throughout pregnancy decide the health of the mother and fetus, among which teratogens are strong forces of prenatal injury. Mercury is a potent teratogen, and around 1 out of every 6 women possess elevated levels of mercury, which can be hazardous to fetal development. Mercury exposure exists in various forms via air pollution, which is a consequence of manufacturing procedures and the food consumption of contaminated fish. Methylmercury consumption that is prevalent among fish through oral ingestion is one of the major threats to fetal development due to methylmercury’s ease of absorption.

Developmental Risks of Mercury

Prenatal exposure to mercury, especially methylmercury, has been shown to negatively impact fetal brain development, leading to sensory and cognitive deficits. The first trimester is when the fetus becomes vulnerable to methylmercury exposure, which overlaps with the period of the formation of key neural elements, such as the visual and auditory systems. Methylmercury affects neurotransmitter function, inhibits neuronal growth, and affects cell migration, resulting in structural abnormalities and reduced brain mass.

Implications of Exposure to Mercury

Children exposed to methylmercury tend to develop various developmental disabilities like mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairment. These necessitate long-term medical intervention, special education, and assistive devices, which are costly for families. The costs incurred in the care of children with developmental disabilities underscore the necessity of minimizing mercury exposure during pregnancy.

Minimization of Mercury Exposure

Interventions for prevention of exposure to mercury during pregnancy include avoidance of high-mercury fish and opting for safer alternatives. Dental fillings containing mercury are to be avoided during pregnancy, and other alternatives have to be adopted. Precautions such as avoidance of home products with mercury and promoting more effective environmental controls to limit the emission of mercury are also important in maintaining maternal and fetal well-being.

Conclusion

Mercury is exceedingly harmful to fetal development, justifying preventive measures aimed at curtailing exposure. Based on information on the source and effect of mercury exposure, individuals can effectively make choices towards keeping maternal and fetal health safe. Adhering to preventive protocols sternly and pushing for legislation that protects the environment is required to avert mercury’s inauspicious effect on prenatal development.

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2: Mercury as a Teratogen 

Gross, D. (2019). Infancy: Development from birth to age 3 (3rd ed.). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.

Llop, S., Guxens, M., Murcia, M., Lertxundi, A., Ramon, R., Riano, I., … Ballester, F. (2012). Prenatal Exposure to Mercury and Infant Neurodevelopment in a Multicenter Cohort in Spain: Study of Potential Modifiers. American Journal of Epidemiology, 175(5), 451–465. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwr328

March of Dimes. (n.d.). The article discusses the relationship between mercury and pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/mercury.aspx

Neal, R. (2004). Mercury Dangers for the Unborn. Retrieved from fromhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/mercury-dangers-for-unborn/

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2: Mercury as a Teratogen 

SEED Coalition. (n.d.). Mercury and the Developing Brain. Retrieved from fromwww.seedcoalition.org/downloads/mercury_developing_brain.pdf