MERCURY

What is mercury, and why should I care about it?

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is poisonous and can accumulate in the tissues of animals and people, causing birth defects, nervous disorders, permanent brain damage, and even death through prolonged exposure. Mercury's unique properties include the ability to exist as a liquid even at room temperature, and for decades its unique properties have made mercury useful in a variety of electronic devices and products.

Where does the mercury in our environment come from?

About two-thirds of the mercury released to the environment comes from man-made sources, such as spills, emissions from coal-burning plants, or the incineration or land filling of mercury-containing products. Mercury evaporates at room temperature and even more so if heated. After it enters the atmosphere, mercury can soak into the ground with rain and snow, which may enable it to potentially enter lakes, rivers, and watersheds.

What happens when mercury does enter our water system/sources?

Once mercury reaches a waterway, bacteria convert some of it to methyl mercury, which is highly toxic and very persistent. Because mercury tends to accumulate in the tissues of animals, animals that are higher up the food chain, such as predatory fish usually have the highest concentrations of mercury in their tissues.

How can I be exposed to mercury?

People can be exposed to harmful levels of mercury through inhalation or skin contact, but the primary route of exposure for most people today is eating mercury-contaminated fish. The concentration of mercury absorbed from regular consumption of affected fish can impair the nervous system and other organs, especially in a developing fetus and a young child. Dangerously high concentrations of mercury have been detected in water bodies throughout California. You may have heard warnings for people to avoid eating certain species and sizes of fish because they contain mercury.

What other items in my home may contain mercury?

Some items that may around your home that may also contain mercury are:

• Mercury Lamps (many different flourescent light bulbs and tubes, mercury vapor lights, metal Halide lights and high/low pressure sodium lamps that are sometimes used for outdoor floodlights)
• Mercury Switches (switches used for convenience lights in vehicles and household appliances)
• Thermostats used for regulating the heating and cooling of your home.
• Thermometers (used to check fever, ovens and other temperature measuring devices)