Reducing Mercury Pollution
DHEC’s Mercury Reduction Strategy
reports that tissue samples from South Carolina fish have some of the
highest mercury concentrations in the nation. The type of mercury found
in our rivers and lakes is extremely poisonous. Eating mercury
contaminated fish is especially dangerous for children and pregnant
women. Mercury exposure has been linked to brain and central nervous
system disorders, including autism and Alzheimer’s.
DHEC’s report describes the problem but fails to offer real solutions
for reducing mercury pollution and for protecting South Carolinians
from exposure to this dangerous pollutant. As an interim step, DHEC
needs to test humans for mercury poisoning. State-wide mercury
advisories should be considered for suspected freshwater species such
as largemouth bass, as has been done in North Carolina.
Ultimately, the only way to reduce mercury exposure is to reduce
mercury pollution. South Carolina must make a serious commitment to
reduce mercury releases from known sources and adopt strict standards
for the largest producers of airborne mercury releases - coal-fired
power plants.