Some mercury is emitted by coal-fired power plants and other processes that heat large quantities of raw materials containing low levels of mercury. Taconite-ore processing also emits some mercury. Barr works on all kinds of mercury-related projects for our clients, from stack testing and water sampling to drawing up plans for communities to help them reduce the amount of mercury that goes to a wastewater treatment plant. This allows mercury to get into the environment, and eventually into fish. If you're building or remodeling a home or cabin, ask your contractor not to use products that contain mercury.
Fluorescent lights contain very small quantities of mercury.
If mercury spills in your home, never use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to clean it up. Isolate the spill, open some windows, keep pets and children away, and turn off heating systems to reduce the temperature and prevent mercury vapors from spreading throughout the house. Mercury concentrations are highest in large, predatory fish such as walleye and northern pike. The Minnesota DNR amd DOH advise that you keep smaller fish for eating, substitute a few panfish meals for the walleye or northern pike you might otherwise eat, and eat small portions when you consume big fish.