In humans, methylmercury compounds have a single biological half-time of approximately two months. Concentrations in blood and hair are useful for monitoring exposure to methylmercury compounds. Immunologically based glomerulonephritis can occur. In rats, mercuric chloride may cause immunosuppression. Effects on the immune system vary considerably among rodent strains.
Inorganic mercury is a cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Some selenium compounds affect the kinetics of inorganic and methylmercury compounds and have a protective effect against their toxicity. In several studies of female dental assistants, no increased risk for spontaneous abortion or birth defects was seen. Methylmercury compounds induce adverse effects on human development - most notably microcephaly and deficits in neurological development. Similar effects have been shown in many laboratory species. The conceptus appears to be more sensitive than the maternal organism.