Mercury in Australia’s Derwent River Turns Healthy Food Source Into Health Hazard

By Dr. Mercola Mercury, a naturally occurring element, has a reputation for being deadly, especially to the brain. The heavy metal is one of only two elements on the periodic table that's liquid at room temperature. In its liquid form, mercury shimmers with an iridescent light mesmerizing enough to be displayed in the world's most beautiful art museums. But the element is deceptive and is a potent neurotoxin. Methylmercury, one of the most toxic forms of mercury, as well as the most common form to which humans are exposed, is a byproduct of bacteria consuming mercury in sediments. Methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin, enters the food chain where it bioaccumulates in sea life, becoming more toxic as it moves up the food system. Mercury contamination in the environment has proven problematic throughout the world, but in Australia, scientists have reported some of the worst levels seen on Earth, according to the featured Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC) program, "Catalyst." A recent
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