,Mercury Pollution in Maryland: A Comprehensive Look at Contamination of Fish in Local Waterways

Mercury Pollution in Maryland: A Comprehensive Look at Contamination of Fish in Local Waterways


 

Publication Date: April 2006

Publisher: MaryPIRG

Author(s): Elizabeth Ridlington; Chris Fick

Research Area: Environment

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.