Mercury is recognized as an element of global concern due to its long-range transport in the atmosphere, its persistence in the environment, its ability to bio-accumulate in ecosystems and its
negative effect on human health and the environment. Mercury can produce a range of adverse human health effects, including permanent damage to the nervous system, in particular the developing nervous system. Due to these effects, and also because mercury can be passed from a mother to her unborn child, infants, children and women of child bearing age are considered vulnerable populations. Mercury is absorbed into the human body through 3 primary paths̶ inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption. Studies show as much as 75% of the inhaled mercury vapor may be retained in the human body which causes neurological toxicity.
Today, most people are more aware of the dangers of mercury and many of its uses have been discontinued. However, mercury exposure is still an occupational hazard for people in many industries and mercury is present in the environment around us in areas such as the oil & gas sectors, gold mining, dental amalgams, fluorescent lamp production, etc.