Talking Points on ATSDR's Toxicological Profile for Mercury

* Mercury pollution is endangering the health of our communities by contaminating fish, an important food source. A virtual elimination of mercury emissions soon is necessary if we are to protect the health of our communities. ATSDR's Toxicological Profile will undermine efforts to regulate mercury emissions and reduce exposure to this dangerous neurotoxin.

* Congress specifically directed the National Academy of Sciences to mediate the competing findings of the Seychelles and Faroe Islands and to gather additional information on the science of mercury toxicity. Their report is due within 18 months, ATSDR is jumping the gun by issuing its toxicological profile.

* Over 10 million Americans are already at risk from mercury poisoning from fish consumption patterns, the societal consequences of not choosing a strict enough limit on mercury exposure is staggering. The neurological damage caused to the fetus and infants by overexposure to mercury is irreparable and permanently diminishes the child's potential to learn, remember, reason, and comprehend.

* People, who because of lifestyle or traditional lifeways, consume fish often are in danger of being poisoned by mercury. This is a profound issue of environmental justice. Current fish consumption warnings and government policy which continues to permit massive mercury emissions discriminate disproportionately against these sensitive subpopulations.

* Many sources of mercury emissions are also sources of other dangerous persistent, bioaccumulative toxins, such as dioxin, furans, and PCBs. Efforts which undermine controls of mercury also undermine efforts to control these deadly pollutants.