Question

What are the primary forms of mercury emitted into the air from both anthropogenic and natural sources?

• A. Organic mercury
• B. Methylmercury
• C. Inorganic mercury
• D. Elemental mercury

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Inorganic mercury

• Emissions of mercury to the air from both anthropogenic and natural sources are in inorganic forms that can be converted biologically to methylmercury in soil and water.

• Methylmercury bioaccumulates and enters the human body readily via the dietary route.

• Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxic chemical. Unborn children (i.e. fetuses) are the most susceptible population group, the exposure being mainly from fish in the diet of the mother.

• Methylmercury is also excreted in mothers' milk.