Overview
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that also damages the kidneys and other internal organs. Mercury enters drinking water from industrial pollution, mining wastes and coal-fired power plants.
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 1.2 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 1.2 ppb for mercury (inorganic) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to internal organs.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL): 2 ppb
The legal limit for inorganic mercury, established in 1991, was based on toxicity studies conducted in laboratory animals in the 1970s and 1980s. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.
ppb = parts per billion
National Standard Exists
Health Concerns:
Harm to the brain and nervous system
Harm to fetal growth and child development
Harm to the kidney
Harm to the immune system
