Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs

Department of Environmental Protection


David B. Struhs, Commissioner
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 292-5500 - (617) 556-1049 (Fax)


MERCURY IN MASSACHUSETTS:
AN EVALUATION OF SOURCES, EMISSIONS, IMPACTS AND CONTROLS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

June 1996

Why Is Mercury A Problem? Where Does the Mercury Come From? Mercury Releases in Massachusetts Results of Environmental Monitoring What the State is Doing How Consumers and Businesses Can Help The Bottom Line

Mercury is viewed by many public health experts, scientists and regulators both in Massachusetts and across the nation as a significant environmental issue. Organic forms of this heavy metal, such as methyl mercury, are particularly toxic and of special concern because they can "bioaccumulate" or build up in concentration over time in living organisms, such as fish. Pregnant women who eat contaminated fish can pass mercury to their unborn children, who are very sensitive to its toxic effects.

The following report provides a detailed overview of the problem: where mercury comes from, how it can affect our health and environment, and what the state is doing to reduce mercury pollution and minimize people's risk of exposure. The document provides information on mercury emissions from sources both within and outside of the state, findings of environmental monitoring studies and conclusions about the overall significance of the mercury problem in Massachusetts.

Why is Mercury a Problem?

Where Does the Mercury Come From?

Mercury Releases in Massachusetts

Results of Environmental Monitoring

What the State is Doing

How Consumers and Businesses Can Help

The Bottom Line


Endnotes:

  1. Inappropriate handling of elemental mercury - the type found in some thermometers - can also present a significant risk in some circumstances. Recently, for example, several children in Florida suffered mercury poisoning and many of their homes were extensively contaminated after they found and played with a discarded vial of mercury. Ritual uses of mercury by some practitioners of the Caribbean Santeria or Esperitismo beliefs, where elemental mercury is ceremonially sprinkled in homes or cars, may also lead to mercury poisonings.


Whare to Next?

Last Updated: July 8, 1996
Comments or Questions?
Email to depwww@state.ma.us