Abstract
PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2 This white paper addresses the various exposure channels of mercury and the resulting harmful impacts that mercury can exert on fetal development. It strongly emphasizes the pervasiveness of methylmercury in fish and suggests measures through which an individual can introduce fish into diets with lower risk. Moreover, it addresses the developmental risks induced by mercury as a teratogen, such as cognitive dysfunction, visual and auditory impairment. In addition, the paper provides the economic costs of developmental abnormality accommodation and offers suggestions to minimize methylmercury exposure.
Mercury as a Teratogen
Most factors during pregnancy influence maternal and fetal well-being, of which teratogens are potent prenatal agents of injury. Mercury is a potent teratogen with approximately 1 in every 6 women with high mercury concentrations, which could be harmful to fetal development. Mercury exposure occurs in various forms in the form of air pollution that happens during manufacturing and through food consumption of contaminated fish. Methylmercury oral ingestion common in fish is one of the big risks to fetal development since methylmercury easily absorbs.
Developmental Risks of Mercury
Mercury exposure, particularly methylmercury, during pregnancy is known to have adverse effects on fetal brain development, leading to sensory and intellectual impairments. The most susceptible period for exposure to methylmercury is the first trimester, corresponding to the development of critical neural frameworks such as the visual and auditory systems. Methylmercury affects neurotransmitter function, inhibits neuronal growth, and impairs cell migration, resulting in structural abnormalities and reduced brain mass.
Implications of Exposure to Mercury
Exposed children will most likely suffer from various developmental disorders, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and sensory disabilities. These call for long-term medical care, special education, and assistive devices, which are costly to families. The cost of providing care for developmentally disabled children underscores the necessity of minimizing mercury exposure during pregnancy.
Minimization of Mercury Exposure
PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2 Preventive interventions against mercury exposure during pregnancy include avoiding high-mercury fish and opting for safer alternatives. Mercury-containing dental fillings should be eschewed during pregnancy, and alternatives used. Measures such as avoiding household products with mercury and promoting stricter environmental control measures to limit mercury emissions are also needed for maternal and fetal health protection.
Conclusion
Mercury is extremely toxic to fetal development, which calls for preventive measures to minimize exposure. With an understanding of the sources and effect of mercury exposure, people can make informed choices in ensuring maternal and fetal well-being. Strict adherence to preventive guidelines and advocacy for environmental legislation is necessary in avoiding the detrimental 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 SEED Coalition. (n.d.). Mercury and the Developing Brain. Retrieved from
www.seedcoalition.org/downloads/mercury_developing_brain.pdf
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.). Mercury and pregnancy. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwr328
March of Dimes. (n.d.). Mercury and pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/mercury.aspx
Neal, R. (2004). Mercury Dangers For Unborn. Retrieved from https://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 www.seedcoalition.org/downloads/mercury_developing_brain.pdf
