Also mercury is used by miners to separate gold from impurities in ore. Lots of Mercury is found in your own home.This includes thermometers, light bulbs, tooth fillings and before 1990 Mercury was found in many paints. Because Mercury is released into the air and it falls back to earth it also can be found in soil and water. Because it is found in water little bacteria pick it up and it goes up the food chain. It can be found in fish and in many fish eating animals such as birds.