Mercury in Drinking Water
Mercury in your drinking water can cause negative health effects in adults and birth defects in infants. In this article we’ll cover what mercury is, how it gets into your drinking water, what levels are dangerous, and how to test for it.
Mercury in Drinking Water at a Glance:
Health Effects: Kidney and Neurological issues. Birth Defects
MCL: 2 ppb
Test: Safe Home Mercury in Drinking Water Test Kit
Treatment: Carbon Filters at point of entry
What is Mercury?
Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in rocks, soil, and water. It exists in two primary forms: organic and inorganic. Elemental mercury, a silver-gray liquid at room temperature, represents the pure form often seen in laboratories.
However, in nature, mercury frequently combines with other elements, forming inorganic mercury compounds, which are typically solid.
Organic mercury is most commonly seen as Methylmercury (CH₃Hg⁺). This form is toxic and often found in fish and seafood.
Mercury does have several industrial uses including electronics, batteries, thermometers, and fluorescent lightbulbs.
How does Mercury get into my drinking water?
Mercury in drinking water can come from natural erosion or from industrial or agricultural run-off. It can also come from mining and smelting operations, or from coal fired powerplants.
It can also come from waste such as medical waste or improperly disposed of industrial waste. Mercury was also used in pesticides which could still be in the soil which would get into water supplies.
Negative Effects of Mercury in drinking water
Inorganic mercury and organic mercury both can negatively affect the kidneys and is a neurotoxin, damaging the nervous systems. Some symptoms from exposure to mercury include kidney damage, tremors, impaired vision, and memory issues. Mercury consumption is also linked to cerebral palsy.
A major concern with mercury exposure would be for pregnant women, because it is tied to birth defects.
What level of Mercury in drinking water is dangerous?
The EPA has set the MCL (Maximum Contaminant Limit) for mercury as 2 ppb. The MCL is the highest amount of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. These limits are set on public health standards as well as the cost of treatment. Many locations have stricter standards for mercury levels.
How to Test for Mercury in Drinking Water
To test for mercury, we recommend the Safe Home Mercury in Drinking Water Test Kit. This test kit will let you collect your sample at home and then get free return shipping back to our EPA certified laboratory.
What to do if your Mercury Levels are too High
If your mercury levels are too high in your water, a carbon point of entry filter is recommended for treatment. This is to help prevent mercury exposure while bathing or washing in your home. Some contaminants are only harmful when consumed but mercury is harmful when in the air and on the skin.
