TOP > REPORT FROM INSTITUTE > RESEARCH ON RISK EVALUATION OF LOW-LEVEL METHYLMERCURY EXPOSURE

2. Research on risk evaluation of low-level methylmercury exposure
Up to the present, more than 2,000 people have been certified as Minamata Disease patient in Minamata area. Furthermore, many fetuses exposed to MeHg through the placenta of the exposed mother showed severe cerebral palsy-like symptoms, while their mothers had mild or no manifestation of the poisoning. This landmark findings brought worldwide attention to the high risk of fetal exposure to MeHg. As WHO IPCS recommended, the effect of MeHg exposure on pregnant women is an important issue for elucidation, especially in Japanese and some other populations which consume much fish and sea mammals. In this study, we mainly carry out the epidemiological and experimental animal studies on the effects of low level methylmercury exposure on fetus.

1. Effect on common marmoset of low-level methylmercury exposure through generations
2. Effects of "spike" exposure of methylmercury on mercury accumulation and neuronal degeneration in the brain
3. Exposure assessment of methylmercury on pregnant and child-bearing women in relation to fish consumption
4. Study on fetal effects of methylmercury
5. Study and promotion of risk communication on low level exposure to methylmercury
6. Study on association of lifestyle during pregnancy, cord blood methylmercury and development of offspring


Monkey toxicated with long term low-level methylmercury
 
The effects of methylmercury on the developing brain using a rat model of fetal-type Minamata Disease