What is one major health impact of mercury exposure?

The significant health impact of mercury exposure is neurological and developmental damage. Mercury is a heavy metal that can affect the nervous system, leading to a range of serious health issues. Children, in particular, are at high risk because their nervous systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury. Exposure can result in cognitive deficits, motor skills impairments, and can even lead to developmental disorders. In adults, chronic exposure can lead to symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments, illustrating the compound effects mercury has on brain and nervous system health. This underscores the particular dangers that mercury poses as a neurotoxin.