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Mercury Poisoning

Definition

Mercury poisoning occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of mercury in the body. It can lead to various health issues, including neurological problems, kidney damage, and developmental disorders.

Analogy

Think of mercury poisoning as having a toxic intruder in your body that wreaks havoc on your organs and brain. It's like having an unwelcome guest who causes chaos and disrupts the normal functioning of your home.

Related terms

Heavy Metals: Metallic elements with high atomic weights that can be toxic to living organisms when present in high concentrations.

Biomagnification: The process by which the concentration of a substance (like mercury) increases at higher levels of the food chain.

Chelation Therapy: A medical treatment used to remove heavy metals from the body by administering specific chemicals that bind to them and facilitate their excretion.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.