Abstract
Introduction: mercury circulates through the air, persists persists in soils, sediments and water, and can affect
human health. Women of childbearing ago of childbearing age and newborns are the most vulnerable population.
Objective: to analyze the evidence on the burden of disease caused by mercury exposure, as well as the economic impact on the health system. Methodology: review of the literature, PUBMED and EPISTEMONIKOS databases, manual search of technical documents of official entities from different continents. Results: 311 records were identified in databases and four in manual search from official entities; 19 articles were included. Discussion:
neurological and cognitive development in children of exposed mothers and infants are more predominant. Costs
were measured by IQ loss. Conclusion: health effects of methylmercury exposure translate into costs for society
and health systems.
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