The major damage that results from exposure to organic mercury is to the:

Exposure to organic mercury, particularly methylmercury, is primarily associated with significant neurological damage. This form of mercury accumulates in the body, particularly in the brain, where it can interfere with neurodevelopment and cause various cognitive and motor deficits. The binding of methylmercury to brain proteins disrupts normal cellular processes and can lead to cell death, contributing to long-term effects on brain function.

Individuals affected by organic mercury exposure may display symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, cognitive impairment, and, in severe cases, developmental delays in children. The sensitivity of the developing brain to mercury also highlights the critical importance of addressing exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations like fetuses and young children.

In contrast, while other organs, such as the kidneys and lungs, can be affected by different forms of mercury or other toxins, the unique neurotoxic effects of organic mercury are particularly pronounced in the brain.