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Some mercury will be present in the environment, because it is a naturally occurring element. Nearly all mercury is produced from the sulfide ore cinnabar (HgS) by means of roasting the ore in air. The reaction is :
    HgS + O2 --> Hg + SO2

(Note: ng/m3 or ng/litre = 1ppt = 0.001 ppb)
Mercury is released as a vapor, which is condensed. The other gasses are vented into the atmosphere.

(WHO 1990)