Sources, Transport, Deposition, and Impacts Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic pollutant. When released into the environment, even small quantities of mercury accumulate in water laid sediments, are ingested by and bioaccumulate in fish, and are passed up the food chain to humans.
Mercury contamination is a significant public health and environmental problem.
Despite efforts by Federal and state governments, as well as the private sector, to reduce releases of mercury to the environment, mercury levels in fish continue to be at levels of concern. New Hampshire is actively participating in efforts to reduce mercury pollution in the State. It sets forth a comprehensive set of activities for addressing this problem in-state. Mercury is introduced into the environment in three ways. First, mercury is emitted into the atmosphere naturally from volcanoes, the weathering of rocks, forest fires, and soils.