Status: Improving
Most Recent Data:
1.06
micrograms per liter (µg/L)
(2015-16)
Target:
0.80
µg/L
Desired Direction:
Decrease desired
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
Reduce exposure to mercury among children, as measured by blood or urine concentrations of the substance or its metabolites
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