Methylmercury in the Gulf of Mexico: State of Knowledge and Research Needs

摘要

The Interagency Working Group on Methylmercury was formed in response to concern about potential adverse effects on human health associated with consumption of fish and shellfish in the Gulf of Mexico that contain methylmercury. The purpose of the Working Group is to assess the current state of knowledge and activities in Federal agencies regarding methylmercury in the environment and to make recommendations for research and monitoring. The Working Group focused on research and activities that will advance our understanding of methylmercury formation and fate in natural systems, to improve assessment of the risk of human exposure to the health effects of methylmercury, and to facilitate technological solutions to these problems. This report does not address the current state of scientific understanding of the biological mechanisms for adverse health outcomes that might be related to exposure to methylmercury. The Interagency Working Group is considering addressing this and other mercury related topics, as appropriate, in the future.