Human Health Risk Assessment Mercury in Fish

Mercury enters the environment through various natural processes and human activities. Methylmercury is transformed from inorganic forms of mercury via methylation by microorganisms in natural waters, and can accumulate in some fish. Humans are exposed to very low levels of mercury directly from the air, water and food. Fish consumers may be exposed to relatively higher levels of methylmercury by eating mercury-containing fish from local rivers and lakes. Methylmercury can accumulate in the human body over time. Because methylmercury is a known neurotoxin, it is necessary to limit human exposure. Water Management Operations (WMO) plays a key role in the management of water in Alberta. The two WMO water projects within Southern Alberta presente