Additional Details

Description

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.

Survey Date

2005

Print Date

2005

Two Sided

Yes

Pieces

1

Languages

English