European Commission: Forest fires increase mercury emissions
June 18th, 2009
Mercury is a global pollutant arising from many sources, including biomass burning, which includes both wildfires and intentional fires to clear land. A recent study estimates that mercury emissions from BMB make up 8 per cent of total global mercury emissions.
Science for Environment Policy
DG Environment News Alert Service – 18 June 2009
Mercury emissions from BMB have received growing attention. Forests in particular act as mercury sinks because atmospheric mercury collects on foliage. Atmospheric mercury originates from both anthropogenic sources, such as industrial pollution and fossil fuel combustion, and natural sources, such as volcanoes. When the foliage dies and decomposes, the mercury enters the soil. BMB then releases mercury from vegetation and organic soil. The released mercury is deposited both locally and globally and can contribute to the formation of methyl mercury, dangerous to humans and animals. If it gets into the human diet, it is toxic to the developing brain.
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