revised final - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ...

MERCURY
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
conversion of T4 to the active hormone T3. In this study, serum total testosterone (but not free
testosterone) was positively correlated with cumulative mercury exposure, while prolactin, thyrotrophin,
and urinary cortisol concentrations were not associated with exposure. However, two other occupational
studies found no relationship between mercury exposure (unspecified concentration) and endocrine function
(i.e., testicular, thyroid, and pituitary) (Erfurth et al. 1990; McGregor and Mason 1991). Biochemical
indices that were measured in the occupational study by McGregor and Mason (1991) to assess endocrine
effects included serum testosterone, sex-hormone binding globulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and
prolactin. Erfurth et al. (1990) measured both basal serum concentrations of thyrotropin, thyroxine,
triiodothyronine, and cortisol, as well as the response to a thyrotropin challenge.
No studies were located regarding endocrine effects in animals after inhalation exposure to metallic
mercury.
Organic Mercury. No studies were located regarding endocrine effects in humans or animals after
inhalation exposure to organic mercury.
Dermal Effects
Metallic Mercury. Inhalation exposure of individuals to elemental mercury vapors for acute and
intermediate durations has resulted in erythematous and pruritic skin rashes (Aronow et al. 1990; Bluhm et
al. 1992a; Foulds et al. 1987; Karpathios et al. 1991; Schwartz et al. 1992; Sexton et al. 1976). Other
dermal reactions to mercury exposure include heavy perspiration (Aronow et al. 1990; Fagala and Wigg
1992; Karpathios et al. 1991; Sexton et al. 1976) and reddened and/or peeling skin on the palms of the
hands and soles of the feet (Aronow et al. 1990; Fagala and Wigg 1992; Karpathios et al. 1991).
No studies were located regarding dermal effects in animals after inhalation exposure to metallic mercury.
Organic Mercury. No studies were located regarding dermal effects in humans or animals after inhalation
exposure to organic mercury.
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