| Mercury
is a toxic metal having known
detrimental health effects
on the central nervous system.
Mercury in the environment
is derived from natural sources
(such as volcanic eruptions)
and from human activities
(such as combustion of fossil
fuels, metal processing,
and some mining activities).
Mercury added to the atmosphere
by these sources may circulate
globally or may be deposited
locally, depending on its
chemical form. Levels of
mercury present in the air
and in precipitation (rain
and snow) generally do not
pose a direct threat to humans;
however, mercury derived from
the atmosphere is thought
to be a primary source of
mercury in fish. Fish consumption
is the main avenue for human
exposure to mercury in the
United States, and fish consumption
advisories for mercury now
account for more than three-quarters
of all State fish advisories. |
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