Status: Baseline only
Reduce exposure to mercury among children, as measured by blood or urine concentrations of the substance or its metabolites
Baseline: 1.06 micrograms per liter (µg/L) was the concentration level of mercury in blood samples at which 95 percent of the population aged 1 to 5 years was at or below in 2015-16
Target: 0.80 micrograms per liter (µg/L)
Summary
Exposure to mercury can damage the brain, lungs, gums, and other parts of the body. Mercury is released into the air from burning coal and trash, mining, and smelting — and mercury from industrial waste can get into water. Tracking mercury in the environment and in children’s blood or urine is critical for reducing exposure.
Topics: Environmental Health, Children
Workgroup: Environmental Health Workgroup