PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2 Mercury as a Teratogen

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6010 Human Prenatal Development

Prof. Name:

Date

Abstract

This white paper discusses the various pathways through which mercury exposure can occur and the resulting negative effects on fetal development. It highlights the prevalence of methylmercury in fish and proposes strategies for incorporating fish into diets while minimizing risk. Additionally, it investigates the developmental hazards associated with mercury as a teratogen, including cognitive impairments and deficits in visual and auditory functions. The paper also addresses the financial implications of managing developmental abnormalities and offers recommendations for reducing methylmercury exposure.

Mercury as a Teratogen

Numerous factors influence maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, with teratogens being significant contributors to prenatal damage. Mercury is recognized as a potent teratogen, with approximately 1 in 6 women exhibiting elevated mercury levels, which poses risks to fetal development. Sources of mercury exposure are diverse, including air pollution from industrial activities and the consumption of contaminated fish. The ingestion of methylmercury, which is commonly found in fish, presents a considerable threat to fetal development due to its high absorption rate.

Developmental Risks of Mercury

Exposure to mercury, particularly methylmercury, during gestation can negatively impact fetal brain development, leading to impairments in sensory and cognitive functions. The first trimester is a critical period for vulnerability to methylmercury, as it coincides with the formation of essential neural structures, including the visual and auditory systems. Methylmercury disrupts neurotransmitter activity, inhibits neuronal growth, and interferes with cell migration, resulting in structural abnormalities and reduced brain mass.

Implications of Exposure to Mercury

Children exposed to methylmercury are at risk for various developmental disorders, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments. These conditions often require extensive medical interventions, specialized education, and assistive technologies, placing significant financial burdens on families. The costs associated with caring for children with developmental disabilities highlight the importance of minimizing mercury exposure during pregnancy.

Minimization of Mercury Exposure

To reduce mercury exposure during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid high-mercury fish species and choose safer alternatives. Dental procedures involving mercury should be deferred during pregnancy, and alternative filling materials should be considered. Furthermore, precautions such as avoiding household items that contain mercury and advocating for stricter environmental regulations to decrease mercury emissions are vital for protecting maternal and fetal health.

Conclusion

Mercury presents substantial risks to fetal development, necessitating proactive measures to minimize exposure. By understanding the sources and consequences of mercury exposure, individuals can make informed decisions to safeguard maternal and fetal health. Adhering to preventive measures and advocating for environmental policies are essential in mitigating the adverse effects of mercury on prenatal development.

References

Berk, L. E., & Meyers, A. B. (2016). Infants, children, and adolescents (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Capella University. (n.d.). Turning Points: An Overview of Prenatal Human Development.

CDC. (n.d.). Mercury | Breastfeeding | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/environmentalexposures/mercury.html

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