A review of the toxicity of methylmercury compounds with application to occupational exposures associated with laboratory uses.

The toxicological and physicochemical properties of methylmercury compounds are reviewed together in an attempt to foster a conceptual synthesis between the biochemistry and toxicity of these compounds. Where insights from chemical analysis bear on conclusions derivable from earlier toxicology studies, these studies have in some instances been reinterpreted. Physical and toxicity data alike are relevant to evaluating risk, and an application of these principles is made to assess occupational exposures in the particular setting of the laboratory. Information is presented from which hazard evaluation may be extrapolated to include a wide range of other exposure environments.