Mercury levels in agricultural products of Mt. Amiata (Tuscany, Italy).

This work assesses mercury in agricultural products of Mt. Amiata (central Italy), an area characterized by the presence of important HgS deposits, and by intense mercury mining and smelting activities in the past. The results show that at some sampling stations the Hg contents in vegetables, meat, and other products were high. The relations between agricultural products, soil and air mercury concentrations are discussed, and consideration is given to possible dangers to human health for residents of the Mt. Amiata area.