Landfills Make Mercury More Toxic

Mercury, a nerve poison, is a major ingredient in many products–from thermometers and fluorescent bulbs to batteries and old latex paint. A new study finds that landfill disposal of such products can chemically alter the mercury in them, not only rendering it more toxic but also fostering its release into the air.

While open landfills (above) may expose wildlife directly to poisonous mercury, closed landfills can vent tainted gases through pipes (below).