The July 20
article "Cuts in mercury sought" covered an important issue for
Wisconsin. Mercury pollution - largely from dirty, coal-fired power
plants - is posing a serious health threat to Wisconsin families and is
destroying our ability to enjoy our lakes and rivers.
We've known for years that children and women of childbearing age
should limit their consumption of Wisconsin fish because exposure to
mercury can cause attention and language deficits, impaired memory and
impaired visual and motor function in children. In adults, mercury
exposure can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation
and can contribute to heart rate changes and cardiovascular disease.
Just recently, the state Department of Natural Resources found that
mercury in some counties is increasing. For instance, mercury levels in
walleye have increased as much as 19% from 1982 to 2005 in 19 southern
counties.
It's time Wisconsin joined other states in using the best available
technology to reduce mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants by
90% by 2012.
Dan Kohler
Director, Wisconsin Environment
Madison
