Atmospheric Mercury Science Programs Being Undertaken in North America

摘要

National and international concern about the health effects and continued use ofmercury (Hg) as well as other metals has defined the need for estimates of the long term risks to ecosystem and human health from Hg released from human activities. The atmosphere is one of the mechanisms by which Hg is transported throughout the environment. This report will provide an overview of what efforts are being undertaken within the U.S. and Canada to improve our understanding of the processes governing the atmospheric concentrations of mercury, the temporal and spatial variability of atmospheric mercury, and the sources and sinks of atmospheric mercury.