Why is mercury a problem?
I'm glad you asked, here are some reasons why....
- Mercury's vapor, compounds and salts are highly toxic and have been implicated as causing brain and liver damage when ingested, inhaled or contacted.
- One of the most dangerous mercury compounds, dimethylmercury, is so toxic that even a few microliters spilled on the skin can cause death.
- Mercury att
acks the central nervous system and adversely affects the mouth, gums, and teeth. - High exposure over long periods of time will result in brain damage and ultimately death.
- It poses a major health risk to the unborn fetus. (physicsforum.com)
More reasons why.....
Oceana's full report on Poison Plants: Chlorine factories are a major global source of Mercury (.pdf file)
EPD's Mercury Emissions from Georgia Coal-fired Power Plants: A Case for Stringent Mercury Control (.pdf file)
SCDHED's fish advisories