Mercury in the South African environment

Abstract

This presentation highlights the toxic effects that over-exposure to mercury (Hg) might have on human health. This includes blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, mental problems and abnormal reflexes and muscle tone. Hg emissions increasing globally, and South Africa is a significant contributor to total global Hg emissions. The way forward includes a better understanding of other source emissions, e.g. biomass burning, cement production, etc., a better understanding of South African fish consumption patterns and the improvement of monitoring systems for sensitive ecosystems, e.g. wetlands, to establish trends.