Mercury Pollution
Mercury or quicksilver is an element found in the environment that is both natural and man-made. It is within all bodies of water, soil, and organic matter worldwide. Humans can be exposed to mercury through inhalation and ingestion, leading to mercury poisoning and serious health problems. Mercury pollution has become a major concern in all parts of the world, and it is increasingly seen as a global issue.
Mercury poisoning is caused by the absorption of methyl mercury, an organic compound, which enters our bodies through the inhalation of vapors or ingestion of food contaminated with mercury. The inhalation and ingestion of mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, respiratory system, as well as the kidneys, and may even cause death. Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish is the most common source of human exposure.
Human sources of mercury pollution include the burning of coal, the production of a variety of chemicals, and the improper disposal of medical products and electronics. For example, when coal is burned, it releases mercury into the atmosphere. The mercury then deposits itself into soils and water sources, where it accumulates, leading to the contamination of certain species of fish. Mercury that is released into the atmosphere can also settle into soils, leading to the contamination of food sources.
In addition to human sources, natural sources of mercury pollution include volcanoes and the weathering of rocks. While natural sources comprise a small portion of the total amount of mercury that enters the environment, they still contribute to the mercury burden.
The effects of mercury pollution can be felt on both a global and a local level. On a global level, mercury pollution has led to lower populations of certain species of fish and aquatic life, as well as a decrease in biodiversity in certain areas. On a local level, nearby populations of people have been more directly affected by mercury pollution. High concentrations of mercury can be found in water sources and in fish, leading to a greater risk of mercury poisoning.
Thankfully, there are a variety of measures that can be taken to reduce mercury emissions and pollution. On an individual level, people can reduce the levels of mercury in their environment by utilizing less mercury-containing products and disposing of them properly. On a larger scale, governments can limit the amount of mercury that is released into the environment by regulating industries that produce mercury-containing products, as well as requiring power plants to use highly efficient pollution control devices. Furthermore, scientists are researching potential technologies that could be used to capture and store Mercury.
While Mercury pollution continues to present a major threat to both the environment and public health, there are a variety of measures that can be taken to reduce human exposure and help to reduce the amount of mercury in the environment. It is up to individuals and governments to work together to ensure that the effects of mercury pollution on our environment are minimized.
