Toksisitas Logam Merkuri Terhadap Kesehatan dan Lingkungan

Abstract

Objectives: Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals, with severe effects on both the environment and human health. This article aims to explore the effects, exposure pathways, health impacts, and management of mercury poisoning.

 Methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to gather and analyze data on mercury toxicity.

 Results: Mercury exposure has numerous harmful effects on human health, including liver damage, neurological disorders, kidney failure, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children. It can also contaminate soil, water, and air, threatening ecosystems and organisms. Poisoning can be diagnosed through biological samples such as blood, urine, and hair. Chronic mercury poisoning lacks effective antidotes, but for acute cases, treatments like BAL (British Anti-Lewisite), Ca-EDTA, and NAP can help remove mercury from the body by promoting its excretion.

Conclusions: Mercury poisoning tests using blood, urine, and hair samples are essential for diagnosing its severe health impacts, including immune suppression, neurological damage in children, and heart issues in adults. Mercury contamination from mining and agriculture harms water, air, and soil, disrupting environmental health. Both methyl and ethyl mercury can damage the nervous systems and kidneys, causing digestive and neurological disorders.