Casting Doubt: Mercury, Power Plants and the Fish We Eat
Published: August 2000File Size: 3,292 KB
Across the U.S., mercury contaminates freshwater and saltwater fish populations, poses health risks to the people and wildlife consuming these fish and threatens the multibillion dollar recreational and commercial fishing industries. State health departments in 40 states have issued advisories warning the public about consuming certain species of fish in certain water bodies. These advisories are attempts to balance the nutritional benefits of eating fish against the risk of mercury exposure.
While mercury pollution has been linked to a number of industrial sources, the only industry currently exempt from federal rules is the electric power industry. Not every mercury source is covered by EPA's rules, but the most glaring omission is the largest emitting source category: power plants. Without strict controls on power plants, we will have little chance of restoring a vital part of our food supply and of protecting the health of future generations.
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