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Mercury exposure in pregnancy: a review

  • Tom Daniel Solan and Stephen W. Lindow EMAIL logo

Abstract

Mercury exposure in pregnancy has been associated with both pregnancy complications and developmental problems in infants. Apart from industrial accidents and contaminated food, mercury exposure is likely to arise from predatory fish consumption, environmental contamination and dental amalgam restorations placed before or during pregnancy. It would be prudent to recommend that pregnant women avoid these potential problems and minimize any risk. The available literature indicates a linear relationship with mercury levels and IQ deficit, and therefore a safe limit of mercury cannot be calculated.


Corresponding author: Stephen W. Lindow, Hull York Medical School, Women and Children’s Hospital, Hull Royal Infirmary Anlaby Road Hull, HU3 2JZ, UK, Tel.: +44 1482 607830, Fax: +44 1482 382781, E-mail:

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The authors stated that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.

Received: 2013-12-24
Accepted: 2014-3-6
Published Online: 2014-4-3
Published in Print: 2014-11-1

©2014 by De Gruyter

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