Mercury pollution and human health
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mercury pollution poses a significant threat to human health, particularly affecting children and vulnerable communities near coal-fired power plants. As a potent neurotoxin, mercury damages vital organs such as the brain, lungs, and skin. Although it occurs naturally in rocks and fossil fuels, human activities like burning coal release mercury into the environment, where it accumulates in water, plants, and animals. This contamination enters the food chain, exposing people to harmful levels of mercury through fish and shellfish consumption.
Coal-fired power plants are the leading source of mercury pollution in the U.S., according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Even though coal contains small amounts of mercury, the massive quantities burned result in significant emissions. Communities near these plants, often marginalized or economically disadvantaged groups, face heightened health risks. Once released into the atmosphere, mercury can remain for over six months before entering water systems and food sources, causing long-term harm.
Stricter air-pollution regulations could save billions in healthcare costs and prevent premature deaths. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that implementing industrial air-pollution standards could save $390 billion in health system costs over two decades. The NRDC highlights that stricter Biden-era pollution limits have already prevented around 11,000 premature deaths. However, regulatory rollbacks, such as the 2025 waivers allowing coal plants to exceed toxic emissions limits, undermine these benefits.
Climate change exacerbates mercury
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026