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# Most mercury exposure in humans is either from dental amalgams or fish consumption. Each contains distinct types of mercury. Humans also process each differently and have different tolerances for them. ELEMENTAL MERCURY: Dental amalgams contain pure mercury, which emits vapors. Mercury vapor enters the body through the lungs, and 80 percent of inhaled vapors are absorbed. Elemental mercury that happens to be swallowed quickly passes through the body, as "negligible" amounts are absorbed through the digestive system. # METHYLMERCURY: This is a type of "organic" mercury that's combined with other molecules, usually through bacterial action, to form a compound called methylmercury. In this form, mercury is easily absorbed in the digestive system. Methylmercury is found in most fish at varying levels, depending upon the type of fish and its age. Most methylmercury exposure is through fish consumption, and it's considered more toxic than mercury vapor.