Does mercury poisoning affect children differently than adults?

Mercury poisoning is extremely dangerous to developing fetuses, nursing babies, and young children. They are particularly sensitive to methylmercury, which can cause a wide range of permanent and serious impairments. These include brain damage, mental retardation, serious vision problems, hearing or memory loss, developmental delay, motor disorders, and behavioral and language problems. As a result, pregnant and nursing women are especially encouraged to avoid exposure to mercury and mercury compounds. For example, because big fish can store large amounts of methylmercury in their bodies, pregnant and nursing women are advised to limit their consumption of shark, tilefish, swordfish, and king mackerel.