title: Elemental mercury exposure in early pregnancy.
abstract: We present a case of first-trimester elemental mercury exposure and review the literature to demonstrate that the reproductive toxicity of mercury varies depending on the form of mercury to which one is exposed. It appears that elemental mercury exposure poses less of a reproductive threat than the well-known hazards of exposure to organic mercurials. It is critical to determine the form of exposure when counseling patients at risk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Thorp
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Boyette
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Cefalo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D008628:Mercury