Mercury is a toxic substance. Exposure to mercury may result in severe damage to the nervous and reproductive systems and may ultimately be fatal. Common symptoms of mercury poisoning are poor coordination and altered sensory perception. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to mercury exposure. The most common cause of mercury poisoning in the United States is the consumption of fish contaminated with methylmercury. For this reason, EPA sets a maximum contaminant level for mercury in drinking water and works with the states to issue consumption advisories.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Mercury: Human Health
  Provides information about the health effects of mercury.
• Mercury: Health Effects
  Provides information about the health effects of mercury.
• Mercury: Spills, Disposal and Site Cleanup
  Provides information about mercury disposal.

Characterization

Contingency Plans
National Contingency Plan (NCP), Oil Removal Contingency Plan, Spill Prevention

Counter-Terrorism
Water Security

Disasters
Fire, Floods, Hurricanes, September 11 Response, Tornadoes, Volcanoes

Emergency Response
Consequence Management, Countermeasures, Mobile Laboratories, National Response Team (NRT), On Scene Coordinators, Radiological Emergency Response Team, September 11 Response, Training

Oil Spills
Facility Response Plan

Poisoning
Mercury Poisoning, Lead Poisoning, Pesticides

Reporting
Reporting Requirements, Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)