Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was studied?
This review analyzed the relationship between mercury (Hg) exposure and hypertension (high blood pressure), summarizing both animal and human studies. The authors focused on understanding how both organic and inorganic forms of mercury affect blood pressure through various biological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, vascular reactivity, and disruption of the renin-angiotensin system. The review also updated the existing epidemiological evidence on mercury’s role in hypertension, reflecting findings from over 16 recent studies and a meta-analysis conducted in 2018. The authors revisited the dose-response relationship between mercury exposure and blood pressure outcomes, highlighting significant findings from both animal models and human studies.
Who was studied?
The review considered a wide range of studies, including animal models (rodents) exposed to mercury through various routes (oral, intramuscular, drinking water), and human epidemiological studies analyzing the relationship between mercury levels (primarily in hair and blood) and blood pressure. The review discussed various vulnerable groups, including Indigenous peoples and small-scale gold miners who are at high risk of mercury exposure. Data were also examined from studies involving workers in industries with elevated mercury exposure risks, such as artisanal gold mining. The animal studies often involved male and female rodents, comparing blood pressure responses to different mercury doses, while the human studies examined populations with varying levels of mercury exposure, including both high-risk and general populations.
Most important findings
The review found a strong dose–response relationship between mercury exposure and increased blood pressure, with both organic and inorganic forms of mercury contributing to the development of hypertension. Mercury exposure, even at low doses, was linked to significant changes in vascular reactivity, endothelial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress. Animal studies revealed that inorganic mercury, especially HgCl2, caused structural changes in the heart, kidneys, and liver, contributing to hypertension. Elevated blood pressure was also associated with mercury’s effect on the renin-angiotensin system and thrombosis. Furthermore, mercury exposure was found to disrupt calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function, both of which are involved in hypertension development. The review noted that selenium and antioxidants could mitigate some of the toxic effects of mercury on blood pressure, emphasizing the need for further research into protective interventions.
Key implications
This study has several implications for the Heavy Metal Tested and Certified (HTMC) program. The evidence linking mercury exposure to hypertension underscores the importance of mercury monitoring in products and environments that may affect vulnerable populations, such as workers in mercury-exposed industries or consumers of contaminated fish. For HTMC certification, it would be crucial to include stringent testing for mercury levels in consumer goods, particularly those that can be ingested or come into contact with sensitive groups like pregnant women or children. Additionally, the identification of mercury thresholds linked to hypertension risks supports the recommendation to set public health regulatory limits for mercury levels in food products, environmental exposure, and industrial settings. Mercury’s impact on blood pressure may be further mitigated by incorporating selenium and other antioxidants in products as preventive measures. HTMC certification programs could encourage the adoption of safe mercury levels and emphasize the inclusion of protective nutrients in the design of consumer products.
Citation
Hu, X.F., Loan, A. & Chan, H.M. Re-thinking the link between exposure to mercury and blood pressure. Arch Toxicol 99, 481–512 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03919-8
Mercury (Hg) is a neurotoxic heavy metal found in various consumer products and environmental sources, making it a major public health concern. Its regulation is critical to protect vulnerable populations from long-term health effects, such as neurological impairment and cardiovascular disease. The HMTC program ensures that products meet the highest standards for mercury safety.
