Mercury From Coal Vs. Mercury From Light Bulbs

Mercury is a silvery liquid used in a wide variety of household and medical items, including thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs. It is a natural element and can be found in concentrated ores beneath the Earth's surface, called cinnabars, and within coal.

Mercury In Coal

• The highest quantities of mercury released into the atmosphere, attributed to human-related causes, are from coal-burning plants. According to a 1999 study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 50 tons of mercury are released into the air each year. Much of this airborne mercury eventually returns to the ground from rainfall and enters waterways.

Mercury In Light Bulbs

• Fluorescent lights and some other light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. On average, each fluorescent light bulb contains 5 milligrams of mercury. Under normal circumstances, the mercury will remain contained within the light bulb and will not pose any threat. However, if the light bulb breaks you may be exposed to the trace amounts of mercury.

Potential Hazards From Mercury

• Mercury can be extremely toxic and hazardous if humans come into contact with it. It can be absorbed through the skin if touched, or inhaled if it enters the air from coal combustion or other sources. The physical and mental health effects from exposure to mercury include memory loss and cognitive damage, as well as damage to the nervous system.