Mercury pollution and human health

"A potent neurotoxin capable of causing lifelong damage to the lungs, brain, skin and other organs, mercury is strictly regulated worldwide. Children, in particular, can suffer severe developmental impairment when exposed. A trace element that occurs naturally in rocks such as limestone, as well as in coal and crude oil, mercury remains locked underground for millions of years, largely entering the ecological cycle through human activity. It is released when fossil fuels are burned."

"Coal-fired power plants contribute substantially to environmental mercury pollution. The nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), cites them as the leading source of mercury contamination in the United States. The problem with coal is that although it contains only small amounts of mercury, it is burned in very large quantities. The most-affected communities tend to live near power plants, and are often marginalized or economically disadvantaged groups."

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can cause lifelong damage to lungs, brain, skin and other organs, with children at particular risk of severe developmental impairment. Mercury occurs naturally in rocks, coal and crude oil and is released when fossil fuels are burned, entering the ecological cycle. Coal-fired power plants contribute substantially to environmental mercury pollution and are cited by the NRDC as the leading source of mercury contamination in the United States. Coal contains only small mercury amounts but is burned in very large quantities. Nearby communities, often marginalized, face the greatest exposure. Once released, mercury can remain in the atmosphere for more than six months, accumulate in water, plants and animals, and enter the food chain where tiny amounts can seriously harm human health. In April 2025, the US administration granted nearly 70 coal plants two-year waivers to exceed air pollution limits, including mercury, with the White House stating that prior emissions standards harmed the energy industry.

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