Abstract:

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that poses severe health risks to children. Mercury can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, and its mechanisms have been extensively studied. However, the effects of mercury exposure on the immune system remain poorly understood. This review synthesizes the immunotoxicity of different forms of mercury and heir associated toxicological mechanisms,elucidating the multiple pathways by which mercury exposure impairs immune function, including its impact on immune cells, immunoglobulins, and cytokines. Additionally, this article examines the potential correlations between mercury exposure and childhood autoimmune diseases as well as cancer. Nutrients such as selenium and vitamin E may offer protective effects against mercury exposure. Despite these findings, the precise immunotoxicity mechanisms of mercury remain unclear, underscoring the need for further standardized research to delineate its effects and develop effective intervention strategies.

Key words: methyl-mercury, mercury exposure, immunologic effect, child