Mining, metal processing, burning fossil fuels and dumping waste all increase the level of metals transported by ocean and air currents to the Arctic. They do not degrade. In fact microorganisms convert inorganic mercury, for example, into methyl mercury, a fat-soluble molecule that easily passes through cell membranes, accumulates in animals, and spreads throughout the food web.
For more on toxics in the Arctic, visit the The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) website.
Mercury is a nerve toxin that has a major impact on the brain, particularly in growing fetus and juvenile. Mercury can also damage reproduction in mammals by interfering with sperm formation. Neurological and reproductive effects have also been seen in birds. In fish, its effects also include a decreased sense of smell, damage to gills, blindness and changes in the ability to absorb nutrients in the intestines.
WWF supports the United National Environmental Program (UNEP), which is currently conducting a global survey of mercury sources and pathways that it hopes will lead to a global convention on mercury.
For more on toxics in the Arctic, visit the The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) website.
Mercury is a nerve toxin that has a major impact on the brain, particularly in growing fetus and juvenile. Mercury can also damage reproduction in mammals by interfering with sperm formation. Neurological and reproductive effects have also been seen in birds. In fish, its effects also include a decreased sense of smell, damage to gills, blindness and changes in the ability to absorb nutrients in the intestines.
WWF supports the United National Environmental Program (UNEP), which is currently conducting a global survey of mercury sources and pathways that it hopes will lead to a global convention on mercury.
