lautnusantara.com Below is an explanation of the signs and symptoms of mercury (methylmercury) poisoning, which can occur from consuming seafood, including squid, in excessive amounts or from highly contaminated sources.

Mercury poisoning generally affects the nervous system, but can also affect other organ systems. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and often develop gradually.

A. Signs and Symptoms of Mercury (Methylmercury) Poisoning
Mercury poisoning from seafood (methylmercury) most often presents with symptoms related to the nervous system.

1. Neurological Symptoms
These are the most common and characteristic symptoms of methylmercury poisoning:

• Paresthetics (Tingling and Numbness): Tingling, prickling, or numbness sensations in parts of the body, especially around the mouth, lips, fingers, and toes.
• Ataxia (Coordination Disorders): Difficulty maintaining balance and coordinating movements (unsteadiness when walking or difficulty making fine movements).
• Vision Changes: Tunnel vision, narrowing of the visual field, or blurred vision.
• Hearing and Speech Disorders: Difficulty hearing or partial deafness, and difficulty speaking (slurred or unclear speech).
• Muscle Weakness: Fatigue and a general decrease in muscle strength.

2. Symptoms in Children and Infants (Prenatal Exposure)
Fetal exposure to methylmercury (through maternal ingestion) is very dangerous because mercury interferes with brain and nervous system development. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent at birth, but will become apparent as the child grows:

• Delay in walking or talking.
• Motor coordination disorders (irregular movements).
• Mental retardation.
• Learning and cognitive impairments.

3. Other Common Symptoms: Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping.

• Digestive Disorders: Abdominal pain or diarrhea (especially in cases of acute exposure).
• Emotional Changes: Irritability, irritability, or extreme mood swings.
• Kidney Disorders: In severe cases, kidney damage can occur.

Important to Know

• Methylmercury Bioaccumulates: Mercury in seafood, including squid, is not eliminated by cooking. If you consume excessive amounts of high-mercury seafood over a long period of time, mercury will accumulate in the body.
• Squid: Squid are generally considered to have relatively low mercury levels compared to large, long-lived predatory fish (such as bluefin tuna or swordfish). However, if squid comes from highly polluted waters, the risk remains, and excessive consumption should be avoided, especially for vulnerable groups.
• Medical Consultation: If you experience unexplained neurological symptoms and have a history of frequent seafood consumption, consult a doctor immediately. A diagnosis of mercury poisoning can be confirmed through a blood test or hair test.

B. Tips for Selecting and Processing Squid
Mercury levels are very difficult to measure yourself, but choosing fresh squid from waters believed to be clean is the best approach:

• Choose Fresh Squid: Freshly caught squid has a lower risk of contamination and spoilage. Characteristics:
• Clear Eyes: The eyes are still clear and not cloudy or red.
• Supple Flesh: The texture is firm and returns to its original shape when pressed with a finger. Avoid squid that is soft or slimy.
• Distinctive Sea Aroma: A fresh fishy smell, not a strong or even rotten one.
• Avoid Excessively Salted Squid: The salting process does not reduce mercury levels. However, excessive consumption of salted squid increases the risk of other health problems, such as high sodium (salt) intake.
• Pay Attention to the Water Source: If possible, find out the source of the squid. Squid caught in the open sea is generally safer than that caught in coastal waters or bays near industrial areas (which are potentially polluted).

Although squid is a seafood with low mercury levels, excessive consumption, especially from unknown sources, can still increase the risk of accumulation of this substance in the body.

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