Mercury is used in the electrolytic production of chlorine, in electrical appliances, in
dental amalgams and as a raw material for various mercury compounds.Methylation
of inorganic mercury has been shown to occur in fresh water and in seawater, although
almost all mercury in uncontaminated drinking-water is thought to be in the form of
Hg2+. Thus, it is unlikely that there is any direct risk of the intake of organic mercury
compounds, especially of alkylmercurials, as a result of the ingestion of drinkingwater.
However, there is a possibility that methylmercury will be converted into inorganic
mercury. Food is the main source of mercury in non-occupationally exposed
populations; the mean dietary intake of mercury in various countries ranges from 2
to 20mg/day per person.