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Mercury Pollution in Maryland: A Comprehensive Look at Contamination of Fish in Local Waterways
Publication Date: April 2006
Publisher(s): MaryPIRG
Author(s): Elizabeth Ridlington; Chris Fick
Funder(s): Abell Foundation; Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund; Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation; Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation; State Environmental Leadership Program
Funder(s): Abell Foundation; Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund; Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation; Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation; State Environmental Leadership Program
Topic: Environment (Radioactive and dangerous substances)
Keywords: mercury; public health; water pollution
Type: Report
Coverage: Maryland
Abstract:
Mercury pollution from incinerators and coal-fired power plants threatens the health of thousands of Maryland newborns and children each year. Mercury Pollution in Maryland presents an analysis of data from nearly 2,000 fish tested by state agencies; 59 percent of the fish contained enough mercury to present a potential health risk. Though Maryland has already established limits on mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants and banned mercury-containing thermostats, the state must do more to protect citizens from mercury by ending medical and municipal waste incineration and collecting mercury-based products.