Mercury
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that exists in three forms: metallic (or elemental), inorganic and organic mercury (including methylmercury). Inorganic mercury is the form regulated in drinking water as it is the form most likely to exist in drinking water. Inorganic mercury compounds are used in fungicides, skin lightening creams, antiseptics, preservatives and paints/dyes, though they are being phased out due to environmental concerns. Drinking water standards for inorganic mercury in drinking water are based on kidney damage observed in animal studies.
EPA MCLG Level
2 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
Health Effects
The EPA drinking water limits for inorganic mercury are based on adverse kidney effects seen in animal studies. Chronic exposure to elemental and organic mercury results primarily in neurological damage, but these forms of mercury are not encountered in drinking water. Acute exposures to mercury can result in shock, cardiovascular collapse, acute renal failure and severe gastrointestinal damage.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Common Sources
- Mercury enters water and soil in its inorganic form due to the natural breakdown of minerals in rock and soil. Inorganic mercury can also enter water and soil due to various human activities: release of contaminated water from factories or water treatment facilities, incineration of municipal waste containing mercury, and run-off of mercury-containing fungicides. In addition, elemental mercury vapors in the air can be converted into inorganic forms and enter water and soil via precipitation.
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Mercury:
EPA MCLG Level
The EPA MCLG represents the maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest scientific research. It's often more protective than federal legal limits.
Contaminant Type
Mercury is classified as a Metals contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the kidneys.
Check Your Water
Find out if Mercury is in your tap water.
Search Your CityTest Your Water for This Contaminant
Public water reports may not test frequently enough or at your specific tap. Professional home testing provides current, location-specific results.
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