Mercury Fact Sheet

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Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that has several forms. The metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid. If heated, it is a colorless, odorless gas. Mercury combines with other elements to form inorganic mercury compounds. Mercury also combines with carbon to make organic mercury compounds. The most common form of organic mercury, methyl mercury, is produced mainly by microscopic organisms in the water and soil. Organic mercury can accumulate in microorganisms, water plants, and eventually sport fish tissue. It is a cause of consumption warnings for sport fish from some inland lakes and rivers, especially in the northern United States.