The Need for and Challenges to Updating the IRIS Methylmercury Assessment-presentation

Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard of methylmercury is widely accepted. Multiple health agencies (Health Canada, 2007; UNEP, 2002; US EPA, 2001, 1997; ATSDR, 1999) and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS, 2000) have established that prenatal oral exposure to methylmercury in humans causes developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Re-assessment of methylmercury toxicity is justified by new publications covering all aspects of neurodevelopment. Systematic review approaches allow for a more transparent process of collecting and evaluating data. There are challenges due to the richness of the data and scientific issues. EPA cannot generate data, we can only use the published literature. The scientific community can contribute by conducting research to address key science issues and by publishing their results.

Impact/Purpose

To present information about the methylmercury IRIS Assessment Plan (IAP) development at the 14th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP).

Citation

Kopylev, L., D. Segal, J. Congleton, Yu-Sheng Lin, R. Nachman, E. Radke-Farabaugh, Michele Taylor, AND Amy Wilkins. The Need for and Challenges to Updating the IRIS Methylmercury Assessment-presentation. 14th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, Krakow, POLAND, September 08 - 13, 2019.