Mercury emissions are set to rise in the next few years, due to large numbers of Fifers being cremated with mercury amalgam teeth fillings.

Mercury is toxic in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain, affecting the health of individuals and can cause impairment to the nervous systems of the young.

As a result, Kirkcaldy's crematorium is set to be fitted with special filtering equipment which will help cut emissions in line with national legislation.

Bereavement services manager Liz Murphy reassured members of the public living near the building that they are not in any danger.

She said: "The changes are in keeping with national legislation which will bring us into line with the air quality guidelines we need to comply with.

"The mercury comes from the fillings in people's teeth which change during the cremation process and produce emissions.

"The generations of people coming through the system at the moment have large numbers of these fillings, which mean cremations are set to become the biggest reason for mercury in the air.

"Mercury emissions don't affect anyone in the immediate vicinity, they go up into the atmosphere and then come down into the food chain."

The poisonous substance can be transmitted through the air stream and deposited in water, including the seas around Britain, and it is feared it will re-enter the food-chain through fish.

National targets aim to reduce these toxic emissions by 50 per cent by 2012 and the work in Kirkcaldy will mean Fife Council fulfils these requirements.

• To read the full story pick up your copy of the Fife Free Press first thing Thursday morning.