Does mercury in air circulate worldwide?
Yes. Mercury released into air is transported by winds and, in its elemental form, persists for one year or more in the upper atmosphere. According to the EPA this atmospheric persistence means that mercury emitted from all parts of the globe – and predominantly from China and India – can be found in many other parts of the globe. Approximately two-third of all mercury emitted worldwide comes from Asia with the United States contributing less than eight percent of total worldwide emissions. Over 84 percent of all mercury deposited in the U.S. originates outside of our borders.
