There are unfortunately many contaminants that can make their way into a home’s water supply through many different means. Both rural and urban homes can experience water quality issues and one of the contaminants that must be of concern in both areas is mercury. This is true regardless of the age of the individuals consuming contaminated water, but is especially true for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and small children, as they are more highly affected by mercury, even in very small quantities.
What is Mercury?
Mercury is a metal which is found in liquid form and a naturally occurring component of many mineral ore deposits deep within the rock beds of the earth. It has practical applications and can be found in very small quantities within fluorescent light bulbs, electronic switches, dry cell batteries and many other pieces of common household and industrial electronic equipment.
Where does Mercury in the water supply come from?
While Mercury can get into the water supply of rural and urban homes through many different means, including the natural leaching of organic mercury from the rock beds and ore deposits, most mercury contamination of the water supply happens as a result of human interference. This inorganic mercury comes from the mishandling and improper storage of waste at industry centers and the improper disposal and containment of waste at hazardous waste sites. Everyday people disposing of products improperly that contain mercury are also to blame for at least some of the mercury water supply contamination which occurs. Outdoor paints, fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, and batteries are just a few of the items which can cause at least some degree of mercury to reach the surface and ground water supplies and eventually, human drinking water systems. Usually, this kind of contamination occurs due to run off from landfills that contain significant amounts of improperly disposed of inorganic mercury.
What are the Health Risks of Mercury Exposure?
People exposed to mercury in the water supply can suffer severe health consequences, including brain damage, serious nervous system damage and kidney disease, dysfunction and failure. Fetuses exposed to mercury through maternal consumption of mercury contaminated drinking water are especially at risk, often resulting in life threatening or severely disabling brain and nervous system disorders and other birth defects. Infants and children are also at increased risk of developing these serious health conditions.
How Common is Mercury Drinking Water Contamination?
Mercury contamination is relatively uncommon, but it does occur. Most mercury found in drinking water supplies is inorganic, or manmade. Though organic mercury does make its way into the water supply through natural means, dangerous contamination levels are from natural leaching is fairly uncommon.
What can be done about Mercury Contamination?
If mercury is discovered in a home’s water supply, water purification, treatment and filtration methods will be necessary. Keeping mercury at a safe level (less than 0.002 mg per liter or 2 parts per billion) requires the use of granulated activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters. Coagulation/filtration and lime softening have also proven effective for removing mercury from drinking water.
