Natural Sources
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is present in trace amounts throughout the environment. Some mercury is released from natural sources such as volcanos, forest fires and geological deposits.
Pollution
Human activities can release mercury from these natural sources into the air, water and soil. According to EPA's 1997 Mercury Study Report to Congress, the major sources are shown below:
Biomedical Sources
The most obvious sources of mercury in biomedical research facilities are thermometers, blood pressure gauges, clinical reagents and laboratory chemicals. Mercury is used or present in many other items that may be less obvious such as drugs and biologics, fluorescent light tubes, switches and other electrical devices. It is also present as an unintended contaminant in a wide variety of commercial products such as animal bedding and bleach and may concentrate in plumbing.
Dental amalgams may be another significant source of mercury in the environment.
Detailed listings of sources of mercury in biomedical facilities and research are available (Biomedical Laboratory Reagents and Procedures, Biomedical Equipment, and Facility-Related Systems, Equipment and Supplies) , as well as alternatives to mercury.
