This month EPA New England sent letters to all 276 medical facilities in New England, encouraging them to participate in the voluntary program. This year we expect to double and, possibly, triple, participation among hospitals. Recognizing that many children get mercury poisoning because their mothers did not know the risks of eating fish from regional waters, EPA New England is launching a program to teach parents the dangers of mercury and mercury poisoning. The state of Connecticut's Mercury Reduction Campaign has already removed 391 pounds of mercury from hospitals, school clean-outs and thermometer exchanges. Thousands of thermometers have been turned in each week this fall under the program.
Air pollution causes lung and other respiratory diseases in children.
Every summer, EPA New England gives reports on air quality to the public through the media and through electronic messages to 1,000 camps, daycare centers and individuals. Nationally, EPA has undertaken an effort to re-write many of the pollutant standards set for our air, water, land and food safety so that they are fully protective of children. These two initiatives together will make a big difference improving the lives of New England's children.