How does mercury exposure specifically threaten the children of pregnant or breastfeeding individuals?
Answer
It impedes neurological development
The central concern regarding mercury consumption by pregnant or nursing individuals is the direct impact on the developing child's brain and nervous system. Mercury is capable of readily traversing the placental barrier, delivering the neurotoxin directly to the fetus in utero. Furthermore, it is secreted into breast milk after birth. Consequently, the primary medical advice emphasizes strict adherence to consumption limits to prevent this exposure from inhibiting or damaging the complex and vital process of neurological maturation in the young child.
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