Mercury is widespread in our environment. Methylmercury an organic form of mercury can
accumulate in the aquatic food chain and lead to high concentrations in predatory fish. When
consumed by humans contaminated fish represent a public health risk. Toxic Effects of Mercury
intends to facilitate among its readers the understanding of the importance of mercury
pollution in the environment and the health consequences associated with exposure to this
metal. The knowledge on methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity collected over the years is undoubtedly
robust creating an impression all that is to be learnt about this metal has already been
accomplished. However in large measure past knowledge has merely laid the ground for
interesting questions that have yet to be fully addressed and concepts have yet to be
deciphered. One of my major goals was to make a valiant attempt to include state-of-the-art
information on the mechanisms of mercury toxicity describing its effects on cultured cellular
systems as well as in whole living organisms starting from the lessons learned from the tragic
events in Minamata Bay Japan. A special focus of the book is on the neurotoxic effects of
MeHg. An understanding at the cellular level is necessary to gather information on the
structural and functional alterations induced by MeHg and how they possibly become unmasked and
evident at the behavioral level 32 chapters of the book have been organised having these
considerations in mind. This book will provide state-of-the-art information to the graduate
students training in toxicology risk assessors researchers and medical providers at large. It
is aimed to bring the readers updated information on contemporary issues associated with
exposure to methylmercury from its effects on stem cells and neurons to population studies. It
is a valuable resource for individuals interested in the public health effects and regulation
of mercury. The report provides an excellent example of the implications of decisions in the
risk assessment process for a larger audience and is written with the hope that the information
will provide better understanding of the mercury problems which confront us.
