Human-related sources contribute 2900 tons
of mercury to the atmosphere per year. The
three main sectors that contribute to
mercury emissions are electricity generation
(coal-powered generators like the one
pictured to the right), certain types of
mining and smelting, and incineration.
These three sectors account for
approximately 70% of Canada’s current
total mercury emissions. Interestingly, the
concentration of mercury in the air has
increased three-fold since the onset of
industrialization.