Mercury in our environment.

Abstract

Mercury is a very useful metallic element that, while not particularly abundant in nature, can play an important role in the overall health of humans and animals. This article discusses the benefits and toxicological consequences of society's use of mercury. It also will focus upon the mining, processing, and uses of mercury in the United States, and then highlight the amounts of mercury that are released as wastes. Along the way, three important questions are addressed: How much mercury is released by human activities and by natural events? Do these releases pose a risk either to humans or to the environment in general? How does this information apply to dentistry?