Mercury
From Mercury Pollution: Integration and Synthesis;
Copyrighted by Lewis Publishers |
Mercury is found
naturally from sources including volcanoes, soils, and forest
fires. However, human actions such as coal burning power plants and
trash incinerators have greatly increased mercury levels. |
From the
Environmental Protection Agency's
factsheet on methylmercury and human health:
How does mercury accumulate in fish and
shellfish?
Mercury
is found in the environment as a result of natural and human activities.
The amount of mercury that cycles in the environment has increased since
the industrial age. The main source of mercury is air emissions from
power generation and other industrial and waste disposal activities.
During its movement among the atmosphere, land, and water, mercury
undergoes a series of complex chemical transformations. One of the
products of these transformations is an organic form called methylmercury. Methylmercury is easily absorbed into the living tissue
of aquatic organisms and is not easily eliminated. Therefore, it
accumulates in predators. The degree to which mercury is transformed
into methylmercury and transferred up the food chain through
bioaccumulation depends on many site-specific factors (such as water
chemistry and the complexity of the food web) through processes that are
not completely understood.
What adverse effects on human health are
related to mercury?
Methylmercury is highly toxic to mammals, including people, and
causes a number of adverse effects. Health studies and information
showing neurotoxicity, particularly in developing organisms, are most
abundant.
State of Maine Fish Advisory
Resources
The following are
links take you to more information on fish advisories
Warnings on Eating Fish
Caught in Maine Waters
from Maine Department of Inland Fish and
Wildlife
Protect your
family. Eat fish Low in Mercury (PDF)
Other Resources
Mercury Contamination
Information from United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Maine Department of Environmental Protection Mercury Pages |
