Most of us know that the kind of mercury in thermometers is dangerous—so dangerous, in fact, that at least 13 states have passed laws barring the manufacture, distribution, or sale of mercury thermometers.
But that’s not the only kind of mercury that can harm our health. Mercury is a naturally occurring, highly toxic heavy metal found in coal—and when coal is burned for energy, mercury is released into the air.
Mercury emitted from coal plants falls onto waterways like rivers and lakes and enters the food chain. In aquatic ecosystems, microbes convert some mercury into a form called methylmercury, and this is the kind of mercury that accumulates in fish. When humans eat fish, mercury gets into our bodies too.
Pregnant people are told to limit fish consumption for a reason: mercury is harmful for developing babies and children. It can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers after ingestion, leading to toxic effects on fetal and infant brains.
Mercury exposure during pregnancy can cause impaired motor function, learning disruption, and behavioral problems in their children. In adults, mercury exposure can lead to cardiovascular problems, including increased risk of heart attacks.
Moms Clean Air Force has been fighting for better mercury protections for over a decade. Last spring, thousands of members signed petitions asking EPA to set the strongest possible updated Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). This rule is close to being finalized, and we need the Biden administration to finish the job as soon as possible.
There’s no plainer way to say it: if it’s dangerous for our children’s brains, it doesn’t belong in our air, water, or food. Join Moms in telling EPA to clean up toxic mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants for good.
TELL PRESIDENT BIDEN & EPA: MOVE QUICKLY TO FINALIZE STRONG POLLUTION PROTECTIONS