The importance of mercury determination and speciation to the health of the general population

It is well known that the toxicokinetics (i.e. absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) of mercury
is highly dependent on the form of mercury to which a receptor has been exposed. The aim of this
paper is to summarize the available health effects information for mercury and mercury compounds in
the international scientific literature (1940-2003) and to point to the need for increased Hg control of
water and food, including mercury speciation, especially in Mediterranean countries.