Mercury is an ubiquitous environmental toxin that causes a wide range of adverse health effects in humans. Three forms of
mercury exist: elemental, inorganic and organic. Each of them has its own profile of toxicity. Exposure to
mercury typically occurs by inhalation or ingestion.
Mercury can be an indoor
air pollutant, however industry emission remains the most important source of inhaled
mercury. Furthermore, fresh water and ocean fish may contain large amounts of
mercury and
dental amalgam can be another important source of inorganic and
mercury vapor. The present review discusses the current information on
mercury toxicity and the distinct toxicologic profile of the three forms of
mercury. The existing
therapeutics, new
therapeutics development or agents for treating
mercury poisoning will also discussed. Since in general low levels of mercurial are tolerable, herein, we also discuss the defensive mechanisms developed by the cell to protect itself against
mercury injury. This aspect may be useful to provide a
biological protection against toxic effects exerted by
mercury or by specific forms of
mercury in view of a medicinal purposes.