Mercury Contamination

~~I decided to write my research paper and create a blog on Mercury contamination because it is an issue not well known to people. This is one of the most widespread problems in the world and I feel that it is important for people to become educated on the matter.


WHAT?

Mercury is a toxic element that has been contaminating the environment for years.

WHY?

1. Sources of Mercury?

• Coal Powered Factories- Incinerated coal releases great concentrations of mercury into the environment.

Picture of a Coal-fired plant
http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/sabl/2006/Oct/power_plant.jpg

• Mining- Esp. gold mines release mercury in the air from coal in the mines.

• Volcanoes- Naturally release deposits of mercury into the atmosphere.

• Dental Fillings- Amalgam, present in dental fillings contains a high dosage of mercury which can greatly affect children.

• Vaccines?- Although no conclusive study proves or disproves this, thimerosal, which is a mercury compound is used in many children's vaccines and has been linked to causing autism.

The picture below shows the increasing trend of autism with thimerosal in vaccines.
http://poisonevercure.150m.com/New_Folder/autism10jpg.jpg

HOW?

2. How does Mercury contaminate humans?

• Mercury from the atmosphere lands in lakes, rivers, etc which pollutes the fish that humans eat. By consuming these fish, humans are exposed to mercury poisoning.
  

Health Risks for Humans?

• affects the immune system
  

• damages the nervous system, including coordination and the senses of touch, taste, and sight


• harmful to the fetus...can cause birth defects

WHERE?

3. Where is mercury a problem?

• EVERYWHERE...mercury is a world wide problem

The picture belows shows the mercury cycle.

http://cleanenergysc.com/images/mercury-cycle_big.jpg