Two weeks ago I wrote about Mercury in High Fructose Corn Syrup here. Because Mercury, also known as “Hg,” is the most toxic, non-radioactive element on the planet, and a verified neurotoxin, I wanted to continue the discussion of the dangers of Mercury.

Did you know that the US alone releases an estimated 200 metric tons of mercury into the environment each year? Once released into the atmosphere, it returns to earth as rain and pollutes every body of water and the soil on which it falls. This is something we as a society should be aware of when looking at our energy resources and changes that we make – as a society – going forward.

Further, Mercury can enter the body in three ways that we have much more immediate control over than exposure from dirty air: 1) Fish consumption, 2) Dental Amalgam Fillings, 3) Flu Vaccines. While a “safe” level of Mercury has never been truly identified, the US EPA recommends no more than 0.1 mcg/Kg of body weight per day.

Fish: Most fish have 0.2-0.3 mcg of Mercury per gram of meat. You do the math—one 6oz serving of fish could easily calculate to total several days’ worth of “recommended 0.1 mcg/Kg” Mercury in one sitting, for an adult; the assault to the system of a child would be even greater. We can control the kind of fish we eat, how much we consume and how often. If your child has proven to have issues with detoxification, it is especially important that you monitor what kind of fish he/she eats and how often; select only fish indicated as having low Mercury concentration and limit all fish/seafood consumption in general.

Dental Amalgams: I had these while pregnant with my son, Ethan, who tests high for Mercury. This kind of “silver” dental filling releases mercury into one’s system each day as a result of chewing. (Yes, that’s right…the act of simple chewing!) Say a person has 8 amalgam fillings, an estimated release of about 104 mcg of mercury vapor each day would flood their system, which is well over the “recommended” EPA daily exposure. Thankfully, we have control over what kinds of fillings are put into our mouths and the mouths of our children. Do not agree to “silver” fillings for your child and if you have “silver” amalgam fillings, I would recommend proper removal by a specially trained dentist, but never during pregnancy. Removal long before an expected pregnancy would be ideal, so that the body would have time to properly detoxify any remnants of Hg before the hosting a delicate, highly-susceptible fetus.

Flu Vaccines: Many people don’t realize that mercury is still used as a preservative in the majority of all flu vaccinations. Recommended by the CDC for pregnant women, babies, toddlers and young children, yet these flu vaccines contain a known neurotoxin. Please consider that the mercury in flu vaccines, along with other nasty additives, is injected directly into one’s body with no way to effectively “filter” the mercury (or other additives) out before (sometimes irreversible) damage is done to very delicate systems. My son, Ethan, had a nasty social and behavioral regression at the age of 4 following a flu vaccine. So, if you must get a flu shot while pregnant or give one to your young child—demand—and I do mean demand, a Thimerisol-free vaccine. (Thimerisol is 49% mercury and is used in most flu shots manufactured to this day.) Safe Minds has a tremendous new awareness video about flu shots; I highly recommend you watch it and share it with your loved ones.

One final surprising source of Hg to consider: light-up shoes and shirts have been found to contain Mercury. Ethan had to part with some really cool Sketchers several months ago when I realized they might contain Mercury. I just won’t chance exposing his body to more Mercury if one of the light mechanisms gets broken.

Mercury simply isn’t something that belongs in our bodies. Do you do all that you can to ensure that your child and your loved ones’ bodies don’t have to work over-time to try to detoxify a known neurotoxin? I’d love to read your comments about what you’ve learned regarding Mercury and how you work to keep your family safe from the devastating effects it can have on the human body.

Leigh Attaway Wilcox is a Writer and Editor, Children's Book Author, Literacy Specialist and proud mom to a spunky, smart 7-year-old boy who happens to live with Asperger's Syndrome. In addition to blogging here for AutismSpot each week, Leigh writes for the Dallas Moms Blog about a variety of parenting and special needs topics. For more about Leigh, her writing and her family's journey with Autism, visit her website and blog. Look for Leigh on Facebook and follow her on Twitter (@leighawilcox).