The 50 Issues

Issue #6: An Invisible Threat

Toxic Mercury Pollution

Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that has contaminated waterways all across America, and led to warnings against eating fish in 40 states. The Clean Air Act calls for reductions in emissions from coal-burning power plants, one of the largest man-made sources of mercury pollution, but the current administration has drastically undercut these provisions. In response, several states and other interest groups have filed lawsuits against the U.S. EPA.

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partner Earthjustice. Mercury is a dangerous pollutant that even in small doses can harm young children and their ability to walk, talk, read, write and learn. Power plants are major mercury polluters, but cement kilns, steel mills, and other industrial facilities are part of problem as well. Earthjustice represents... read more


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Debunking Mercury's Myths
No More Free Ride for Cement Kilns

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What You Can Do

  • Get Tested for Mercury Contamination
    To determine your own mercury level, all it takes is a small amount of hair. Greenpeace offers a Mercury Testing Kit for $25. You will receive sampling...
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Learn More About It

  • Mercury Contamination in Fish
    Eating fish contaminated with mercury, a poison that interferes with the brain and nervous system, can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. Check out this information from NRDC on mercury's effects and its sources, tips for eating fish...
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Environmental News

news Deadly Immunity

This ground-breaking investigative article by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the June 2005 issue of... read more

news Perils on Your Plate

Mercury starts out in places like power plants, gets spewed out into the air, lands in and contaminates... read more