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The National
Academy of Sciences (NAS) says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
was using correct science in setting tight standards for mercury exposure
to protect at-risk groups, namely children of women who consumed large amounts
of fish during pregnancy.
The EPA is currently discussing new regulations for controlling emissions
from the main sources of mercury exposure: coal-fired utility boilers, which
release around 40 tons of mercury annually in the United States.
Proponents for capping mercury emissions hailed the NAS findings, claiming
they cleared the way for new controls.
"Mercury is the last major toxic substance without an emissions control
plan. The report brings us to the goal line, and Congress needs to act in
the public's interest and to stop doing the bidding of the special interests,"
said Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont.
The NAS report was issued as part of an 18-month review of the EPA mercury
standards. The science group said the EPA's current "reference dose" for
methylmercury, a common mercury compound, of 0.1 micrograms per kilogram
of body weight per day, was justified.
In the past, mercury poisoning has resulted in
- mental retardation
- cerebral palsy
- deafness and blindness
The NAS concludes that mercury pollution is sufficient to result in an
increase in the number of children who have to struggle to keep up in school
and who might require remedial classes or special education.
NAS said the long-term goal of programs to reduce mercury exposure should
be aimed at reducing the amount of mercury in fish and seafood, and not
by telling pregnant women to cut down on fish consumption, which is generally
beneficial to people.
"The science is in. Mercury is highly toxic. The federal government needs
to stop the delaying tactics and reduce human exposures to mercury," said
Michael Bender, executive director of the Mercury Project.
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