Prevention: Avoidance of mercury contamination is foremost in preventing mercury toxicity. Staying clear of mercury fungicides and avoiding fungicide-treated foods or eating only organically grown grains and produce may be helpful. Many health-oriented dentists now avoid mercury-containing amalgam to prevent further mercury exposure. Silver-mercury fillings during pregnancy, I believe, should be avoided.

Pectin and algin can decrease absorption of mercury, especially inorganic mercury. Selenium binds both inorganic and methyl mercury; mercury selenide is formed and excreted in fecal matter. Selenium is, for many reasons, an important nutrient for all of us, and in an amount of at least 100-200 mcg., it does seem to protect against heavy metal toxicity.