Mercury found in landfills throughout the United States may transform into a more toxic compound known as dimethyl mercury. A recent study conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee examined landfills in Central Florida. In the study, researchers discovered that dimethyl mercury is being produced in large quantities.

Dimethyl mercury is a gaseous form of mercury. The substance can impact development of the brain and nervous system in children. It is a source of mercury in lakes, blamed for mercury-tainted fish. Mothers who eat contaminated fish can pass the neurotoxin directly to their unborn fetus.

Researchers have known for years that dimethyl mercury was present around landfills. However, they were surprised to find that the air surrounding the studied landfills was more than 1,000 times more toxic than normal.

Many common household items such as batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and thermometers contain mercury. When these items are discarded and placed into landfills, they are broken down by bacteria, instantly turning normal mercury into the more toxic dimethyl mercury.

Although dimethyl mercury can be destroyed using a burning process, only about one half of landfills in the United States use such technology.