Mercury is a naturally occurring element present throughout the environment and used in many industrial processes and commercial products. It is also a toxic substance. Exposure to mercury may cause serious harm to human health; at high doses, it can even be fatal. In the United States, the majority of mercury emissions are produced from fossil fuel combustion and solid waste incineration. These emissions are transported through the atmosphere as vapor and may be deposited on land and in water. EPA is in the process of developing new regulations that will significantly reduce mercury emissions from power plants. The Agency also cooperates with other countries in international mercury-reduction efforts such as the Binational Toxics Strategy.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Mercury
  Web site that teaches about mercury, and what's being done to protect human health.
• Mercury: Basic Information
  Provides basic information about mercury.
• Clean Air Mercury Rule
  Provides information about the utility mercury reductions rule.

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