People at risk

People who use mercury products in their home, school or work are at risk from mercury exposure. However, most of the health risk from mercury exposure is due to methyl mercury exposure from fish consumption. Many factors determine risk from exposure including the dose, the duration, and the type of contact. The developing fetus and young children are a higher risk population because methyl mercury in the mother's body may enter the unborn child and breast-feeding infants. Young children are at risk because their nervous systems are still developing and because of their lower body weight compared to adults. Exposure and health risks may be determined by measuring the amounts of mercury in blood, urine, breast milk and hair. Over time, your body can rid itself of some contamination. Adults who consume an unusually large amount of contaminated fish on a regular basis may also be at risk.

Sources:Different Sources:

· Production of some batteries
· Thermostats and cameras
· Cathode tubes
· Calculators and small appliances
· Medical laboratory chemicals
· Catalyst in production of urethane polymers for plastics
· Cathode in electronic production of chlorine and caustic soda
· Mercury vapor lamps
· Thermometers and barometers
· Electrical switches
· Hearing aides
· Common household cleaners

Potential Sources:

· Manufacturing activities, mining (especially gold mining) and smelting
· Wastewater entering lakes, rivers, etc.
· Waste from dental cavity-filling material
· Emissions from coal burning
· Combustion of various fuels
· Mixed waste incineration
· Medical waste incineration
· Old paint