Probably not, although so far the research is unclear. To date, there have been no human studies that indicate mercury causes lupus. But researchers are still unclear how it might effect someone with lupus. It is believed mercury increases a person's "threshold of susceptibility" for the disease or worsens lupus symptoms. A 2003 study found that exposure to low levels of mercury can speed up and worsen the symptoms of lupus-like disease in mice, even when the exposure occurs before the development of the disease.
Mercury is an element found in air, water and soil and comes in several forms. Airborne mercury can get into water and eventually pass through the food chain and build up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish.
Since the nervous system is sensitive to all forms of mercury, exposure to high levels can damage the brain and kidneys.
Source: Mercury National Library of Medicine. November 2008.
Healthy Environment. "Lupus Now" magazine. Winter 2008.
