Are Canadians at risk from methyl mercury exposure?
The Canadian population, in general, is not being subjected to an increase in methyl mercury exposure, but some people may have higher exposure than others. • People who eat a lot of fish and marine mammals as part of their daily diet tend to have higher methyl mercury exposures, because the potentially high levels of methyl mercury found in some of these species can be passed on to humans. • Scientific research suggests that it is the developing fetus and the breast-fed children of women who consume greater amounts of the larger species of fish during pregnancy and lactation who are the most susceptible to health problems (see Q.43 – Q.46). Q9. What uses of metallic (elemental) mercury in the home increase mercury exposure? Any use of metallic (elemental) mercury in the home can be dangerous. A number of unsafe household uses have been identified. These include: • Sprinkling or spreading mercury in the house or car; • Mixing mercury with water or other liquids and using this mixture a
