What causes Mercury Toxicity?
Metallic mercury is the liquid metal that was once used in most thermometers. Most new thermometers are being manufactured with less toxic indicators. Mercury is also used in other common consumer products, including: • Fluorescent light bulbs • Dental fillings • Batteries • Barometers • Medical equipment (eg, blood pressure measurement instruments) • Mercury switches in thermostats and even sneakers that light upMercury gas is released into the atmosphere by certain natural processes (fires, volcanic explosions). It is released in much greater amounts by the burning of fossil fuels, especially coal. Once in the atmosphere, mercury can travel for thousands of miles before finding its way into the ocean or fresh water bodies. Once in or near the water, mercury is transformed by bacteria into the chemical methylmercury. The methylmercury formed in the water and soil by bacteria may build up in the tissues of fish. Larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury. Mercury
