Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. The neurotoxicity of MeHg and the high susceptibility of the developing brain are well established both in humans and experimental animals. Prenatally exposed children display a range of effects varying from severe cerebral palsy to subtle developmental delays. Many of the more subtle effects of developmental MeHg exposure can be permanent, including behavioral abnormalities and loss of IQ, and impart a significant cost to society as a whole. It is estimated that as many as 15% of American women of childbearing age have total blood mercury concentrations at a level above that associated with loss of IQ (>3.5 Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. The neurotoxicity of high levels of MeHg and the increased susceptibility of the developing brain are well established both in humans and experimental animals. Prenatally exposed children display a range of effects varying from severe cerebral palsy to subtle developmental delays (Castoldi et al., 2001). Many of the more subtle effects of developmental MeHg exposure can be permanent, including behavioral abnormalities and loss of IQ. It is estimated that as many as 15% of American women of childbearing age have total blood mercury concentrations at a level above that associated with loss of IQ (>3.5 Public Health Relevance
