Where does mercury pollution come from and what health problems does it cause?
The major source of mercury exposure for the general population is mercury-contaminated fish. Mercury is released into the air by power plants and chemical companies, falls into water, and accumulates in fish. Latinos also are exposed when they breathe mercury vapors during religious ceremonies or from cosmetics specifically marketed to Latinas, or when they ingest it in folk remedies. Mercury accumulates in the body, where it remains for many months. Women of reproductive age, fetuses and children face the greatest risk. Mercury from mothers can harm the developing brain of the fetus. Children’s brains continue developing until approximately age seven, leaving them at risk of developing neurological and behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Q: How are Latinos in the U.S. affected by mercury exposure? A nationwide study showed that on average, Latino children have higher mercury levels in their bodies than do non-Hispanic children. Latinos are at risk of mercury exposure natio
