Mercury is currently used in a variety of ways around the world. Because industrial uses of mercury have been restricted in Europe, the predominant use of mercury in the next years will be in dental fillings. Other parts of the world continue to use mercury in industrial activities and small-scale gold mining.

One of the most significant causes of mercury contamination in Europe and internationally is the industrial and home use of solid fuels such as coal, lignite, peat, and wood. These fuels contain trace amounts of mercury, which is released into the environment when they are burned. These emissions are the primary source of mercury emissions in Europe, and include operations such as power generation, cement manufacturing, and metal fabrication.

So, what are the health effects of mercury contamination and how are individuals exposed to it? Seafood is the most common source of mercury exposure in humans. When marine animals consume mercury, it tends to accumulate in their bodies over time. Larger predator fish have higher mercury concentrations because they eat smaller creatures that have already absorbed some mercury. As a result, eating larger predatory fish, such as tuna or swordfish, would often result in a higher mercury exposure than eating smaller fish down in the food chain.

The health effects vary depending on the amount, but the greatest issue is the effect of mercury on fetuses and young children. Mercury exposure can develop during pregnancy as a result of a mother’s ingestion of seafood. This can have serious and long-term consequences for a baby’s developing brain and neurological system, impacting memory, language, attention, and other skills. It is estimated that around 1.8 million newborns are born each year in Europe with mercury levels over prescribed safe limits.

What are the present trends in mercury production and emissions, as well as the prediction for the future? As I know, mercury mining is no longer practiced in Europe, and demand will continue to fall in the future years. Mercury emissions in Europe will be dominated by combustion emissions, primarily from the combustion of solid fuels such as coal, peat, lignite, and wood.

Small-scale gold mining is the world’s largest source of mercury. Individuals or small groups mine gold in a relatively simple and low-cost manner, often in an unregulated area. It is estimated that this source accounts for more than one-third of global emissions; therefore, addressing this issue by offering safer alternatives could result in significant reductions in global usage and emissions.

For us individuals, we can all take steps to decrease our individual exposure to mercury while also preventing mercury emissions into the environment. National food safety authorities, for example, frequently provide detailed guidance on how consumers can maximize the health advantages of eating fish while avoiding mercury exposure. This includes advice on fish eating for pregnant women and young children.

Mercury-containing equipment, such as batteries, lamps, and electrical equipment, may also be encountered. We must ensure that these materials are handled and disposed of appropriately so that the mercury contained inside them can be securely retrieved and does not wind up in the environment. We can also reduce mercury emissions by not using solid fuels for home heating when there are other options. Mercury-free fillings are also available for dental treatments, and using these reduces mercury usage even further.

By Yimeng CHEN