The Effects of Environmental Mercury Contamination on Wild and Domestic Animals

Abstract

Any substance that is toxic to humans is usually toxic to wild and domestic animals as well. Different levels of sensitivity and degrees of exposure between humans and animals may exist for toxicants, but similarities of effect are generally more common than differences. Of particular concern to both human and animal populations are persistent contaminants that do not break down readily in the environment and tend to bio accumulate. The many persistent toxic substances found contaminating our environment include Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDES), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, nickel, and mercury [1-5]. Any one of these contaminants is worthy of an entire commentary. This article will focus on the effects of environmental mercury contamination on animal populations, both wild and domestic.