Safe at a distance, toxic if ingested

Mercury is toxic. Contained, it’s safe. Inhaled or ingested, mercury can cause neurological, behavioral, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive and developmental problems, or even death.

Humans most often ingest mercury through consumption of mercury-tainted seafood. Contaminated fish absorb mercury through water polluted by emissions from coal and oil-fired power plants. Also, though such actions are illegal, some industrial facilities that use the metal directly dump it into the water. In recent years, mercury contamination has become a larger part of the public’s consciousness. Activists are pushing for legislation to curtail and eventually end it.