Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is an element that does not break down. It occurs naturally and is found in very small amounts in oceans, rocks, and soil. It becomes airborne when rocks break down, volcanoes erupt, and soil decomposes. It then circulates and is redistributed throughout the environment.
Mercury can become airborne when coal, oil, wood, or natural gas are burned as fuel or when mercury containing garbage is incinerated. Once in the air, mercury can fall to the ground with rain and snow, landing on soil or in bodies of water, causing contamination.
Lakes and rivers are also contaminated when there is a direct discharge of mercury-laden industrial and municipal waste into these water bodies. Once present, mercury accumulates in the tissue of fish and other organisms and may ultimately reach your dinner table.
Although mercury is a very useful element with many unique properties and applications, it poses a very real health risk. We can minimize this risk by reducing our use of mercury-containing products and disposing of mercury-containing waste.
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