Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and has always been present in fish and marine mammals. Mercury is released into the air through coal burning and industrial pollution. It reaches the Arctic mainly through air and water currents. Mercury is taken up by fish and passed on to people who eat fish. High levels of mercury can cause human health problems. The good news is that levels of mercury in Alaska are low.
Mercury is incorporated into hair as it grows and remains in hair for a long time. The level of mercury in human hair can give us information about exposure to mercury in the diet. By comparing levels over time, we will know if mercury levels are changing.