Mercury in the Nation's Streams—Levels, Trends, and Implications

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in fish to levels of concern for human health and the health of fish eating wildlife. Mercury contamination of fish is the primary reason for issuing fish consumption advisories, which exist in every State in the Nation. Much of the mercury originates from combustion of coal and can travel long distances in the atmosphere before being deposited. This can result in mercury contaminated fish in areas with no obvious source of mercury pollution.