Chronic low-level mercury exposure and neuropsychological functioning.

Author: Uzzell BP, Oler J.

Source: J Clin Exp Neuropsychol.

Year: 1986

Comment:

This study relates low level exposure to mercury in female dental workers with changes in neuropsychological function.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“To measure the effects of chronic low-level exposure to inorganic mercury, the neuropsychological performances of 13 female dental auxiliary workers with elevated head mercury levels (as measured by an X-ray fluorescence technique) were compared with 13 workers with no measurable mercury levels. Workers with elevated mercury levels scored significantly less well on the Recurrent Figures, and SCL-90-R, but not on the WAIS, Rey’s AVL, PASAT, BGT, Grooved Pegboard, and Finger Tapping tests. Chronic subtoxic levels of inorganic mercury appear to produce mild changes in short-term nonverbal recall and heightened distress generally, and particularly in categories of obsessive compulsion, anxiety and psychoticism, without alterations in general intellectual functioning, attention, verbal recall, and motor skills.”

Citation:

Uzzell BP, Oler J. Chronic low-level mercury exposure and neuropsychological functioning. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 1986; 8(5):581-593.