PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2 Mercury as a Teratogen

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6010 Human Prenatal Development

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

This paper delves into the diverse pathways through which mercury exposure can manifest and the resultant adverse effects it may exert on fetal development. It highlights the prevalence of methylmercury found in fish and proposes strategies to incorporate fish into diets with diminished risk. Moreover, it scrutinizes the developmental perils linked to mercury as a teratogen, encompassing cognitive impairments as well as visual and auditory deficits. Additionally, the paper explores the financial strains associated with addressing developmental anomalies and proffers recommendations for curtailing methylmercury exposure.

Mercury as a Teratogen

Throughout pregnancy, myriad factors influence both maternal and fetal well-being, with teratogens playing a substantial role in prenatal harm. Mercury emerges as a potent teratogen, with approximately 1 in 6 women exhibiting elevated mercury levels, thereby posing risks to fetal development. The origins of mercury exposure are diverse, encompassing air pollution stemming from industrial processes and the consumption of contaminated fish. The ingestion of methylmercury, prevalent in fish, poses a significant hazard to fetal development due to its high absorption rate.

Developmental Risks of Mercury

Exposure to mercury, particularly methylmercury, during gestation can detrimentally impact fetal brain development, culminating in impairments in sensory and cognitive functions. The crucial period of vulnerability to methylmercury is the first trimester, aligning with the formation of crucial neural structures such as the visual and auditory systems. Methylmercury disrupts neurotransmitter activity, hampers neuronal growth, and impedes cell migration, thereby resulting in structural abnormalities and diminished brain mass.

Implications of Mercury Exposure

Offspring exposed to methylmercury face a spectrum of developmental disorders, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments. These conditions necessitate extensive medical interventions, specialized education, and assistive technologies, thereby imposing significant financial burdens on families. The expenses linked with providing care for children with developmental disabilities underscore the importance of curtailing mercury exposure during pregnancy.

Minimization of Mercury Exposure

Endeavors to mitigate mercury exposure during pregnancy encompass abstaining from high-mercury fish varieties and opting for safer alternatives. Dental procedures involving mercury should be deferred during pregnancy, with alternative filling materials being contemplated. Additionally, precautions such as eschewing mercury-containing household items and advocating for stricter environmental regulations to curtail mercury emissions are imperative for safeguarding maternal and fetal health.

Conclusion

Mercury poses substantive risks to fetal development, underscoring the imperative of proactive measures to diminish exposure. Through comprehension of the sources and repercussions of mercury exposure, individuals can make informed decisions to safeguard maternal and fetal health. Rigorous adherence to preventive measures and advocacy for environmental policies are pivotal in ameliorating 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.

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 2 Mercury as a Teratogen

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

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/