The 1980 Rule

The 1980 rule

Mercury exposure has been a concern for decades due to its presence in various environmental sources such as air, water, soil, and food. Almost all people born before 1980 have been exposed to mercury and are leaching the mercury from the bones back into the body. Mercury entered the body through several routes, including:

Dental Amalgam Fillings: Before the popularity of alternative materials, dental amalgam fillings containing mercury were commonly used for dental restoration. While the use of dental amalgam has declined in recent years, many individuals born before 1980 may still have these fillings in their teeth.

Consumption of Contaminated Seafood: Mercury accumulates in certain fish and seafood species, particularly large predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, and shark. People born before 1980 who frequently consumed seafood may have been exposed to mercury through their diet.

Environmental Pollution: Mercury emissions from industrial processes, coal-fired power plants, and other sources have contributed to environmental contamination. People living in areas with high levels of mercury pollution may have been exposed through inhalation of contaminated air, ingestion of contaminated water and food, or contact with contaminated soil.

Therapeutic and Cosmetic Products: Historically, mercury was used in various therapeutic and cosmetic products, including topical ointments, skin-lightening creams, and antiseptic solutions. Exposure to mercury from these products was more common before regulatory measures were implemented to restrict its use.

Vaccines: Thimerosal, a compound containing ethylmercury, was used as a preservative in some vaccines, particularly multidose vials of vaccines, until the early 2000s. While ethylmercury is different from methylmercury, the form found in seafood, it is still a potential source of mercury exposure for some individuals.

It’s important to note that, while exposure to mercury may have been more common in the past, efforts to reduce mercury emissions and improve regulations regarding its use have been implemented over the years. However, certain populations, such as subsistence fishers and communities near industrial sources of mercury, may still face elevated risks of exposure. Regular monitoring of mercury levels in the environment and public health interventions aimed at reducing exposure remain important strategies for protecting human health.