How are people TYPICALLY exposed to mercury?

Mercury has been found in some skin-lightening and anti-aging creams, including products marketed for age spots, freckles, blemishes, wrinkles, or acne. Check the label for terms such as mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio, or mercury. If one appears, stop using the product. Do not use a product that has no ingredient label.

• FDA warning: Skin products containing mercury and/or hydroquinone
• California Department of Public Health: Skin-care products tested for mercury
• Amazon to block sales of skin lightening creams containing mercury in response to lawsuit under Proposition 65’s Toxic Enforcement Act

Some older fever, oven, candy, and meat thermometers, thermostats, barometers, switches, and fluorescent bulbs contain mercury. Older laboratory equipment and some older appliances or electronics may also contain mercury. Certain older vehicles (particularly some models made before 2003) used mercury switches in convenience lighting or other systems. Use mercury-free alternatives when replacing items; do not break or dismantle a mercury-containing product. Choose LEDs when replacing fluorescent or CFL bulbs, and use digital mercury-free thermometers.

• EPA: List of common consumer products that contain mercury
• EPA: Mercury thermometers and alternatives
• EPA: Broken CFL cleanup guidance

Some mercury compounds have been used as preservatives in certain medicines and biological products, but many historical uses have been discontinued. Do not assume a medicine, nasal spray, vaccine, or contact lens solution contains mercury based on the product category or an old list. Check the exact current package insert or ingredient label.

• FDA: Mercury in drug and biologic products (historical product listings; not a current shelf inventory)
• Johns Hopkins Institute for Vaccine Safety: Vaccine components and excipients
• Peer-reviewed review: Preservatives in soft contact lens care products (includes historical products; check current labels)

Certain L.A. Gear light-up shoe models sold before June 1994 used a mercury tilt switch in the heel. This is a documented historical issue and is not evidence that modern light-up shoes contain mercury. If you have an old pair, do not dismantle the heel; ask your local household hazardous-waste program how to handle it.

Some older poured polyurethane gym floors used phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) as a catalyst. Not all rubber-like or polyurethane floors contain mercury. Schools and facility owners should check the floor's history and consult qualified environmental professionals about testing before sanding, grinding, resurfacing, or otherwise disturbing a suspect floor.

• ATSDR health consultation: Mercury-containing polyurethane gym floor
• Howard County Public School System: Mercury testing in poured rubber flooring
• Virginia Tech research: Mercury emissions from polyurethane gym floors

Some novelty jewelry has historically used sealed glass pendants containing liquid mercury. Older barometers, clocks, mirrors, gauges, and laboratory items may also contain mercury. Some older button-cell batteries contained mercury, although many products have changed and the presence of mercury depends on the item and date of manufacture. Do not dismantle unfamiliar items to check. Ask a household hazardous-waste program or qualified recycler how to handle them.

For a product-specific list, see the EPA list of common consumer products that contain mercury.

Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury combined with a powder of other metals. If you have questions about your own dental fillings, discuss them with a qualified dental professional rather than attempting to remove or disturb a filling yourself.

EPA: Dental amalgam fillings

Fish can be part of a healthy diet. The goal is not to avoid all fish, but to choose a variety and follow current advice for the people eating it—especially people who are pregnant or may become pregnant, breastfeeding people, and children.

FDA/EPA guidance categorizes fish by mercury levels. 

Best choices (lower mercury) Salmon · Sardines · Shrimp · Tilapia · Trout · Pollock · Catfish · Canned light tuna

In the FDA/EPA advice cited here, canned light tuna is a “Best Choices” option, while albacore (white) tuna is a “Good Choices” option and typically contains about three times as much mercury as canned light tuna. 

Recommendations and serving guidance can change, so consult the current official chart for weekly serving limits.

• FDA/EPA advice about eating fish for people who are or might become pregnant
• California OEHHA: Fish advisories
• EPA Advice - Choose Fish and Shellfish Wisely

Do not vacuum or sweep mercury. These actions can spread mercury and increase exposure to its vapor.

• Keep children and pets away from the spill. Do not touch or play with the mercury.
• Do not pour mercury down a drain or put it in household trash.
• Open windows and doors to the outside if safe; close doors to other rooms.
• Follow the official instructions for the specific situation before attempting cleanup.

Use EPA's step-by-step instructions:

• What to do if a mercury thermometer breaks
• What to do if a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) breaks
• What to do if you spill more mercury than is in a thermometer

If the spill is large, involves a school or workplace, is on carpet or upholstery, or is near an HVAC vent, keep people away and contact your local health department, fire department, or hazardous-waste program for advice before attempting cleanup. For possible exposure, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical advice.