When ingested in even tiny amounts, it can have devastating effects on the human nervous system, especially for children and the unborn. Associated illnesses include brain, lung and kidney damage and even death in humans. In wildlife, mercury is a reproductive hazard with harmful effects on species such as rainbow trout, zebra fish, mallard and American black ducks, loons and terns. The Clean the Rain report reinforces the work of the New England Governors' Mercury Task Force, a regional body set up by the Governors to implement their mercury action plan adopted in 1998. The plan is aimed at raising awareness of the mercury problem in the Northeast and developing measures to combat it.
Coal contains trace amounts of mercury that are released into the air as it is burned for energy.
When medical devices such as thermometers and blood pressure units or household items like flourescent lights, lamps and thermostats are discarded and burned, the residual mercury is emitted into the atmosphere. The Clean the Rain Campaign calls on major industry to drastically reduce emissions and asks citizens to help cut mercury pollution by conserving energy, not purchasing consumer products that contain mercury, or if they have purchased them, disposing of them properly. This report is a clarion call for all Rhode Islanders to demand a thorough testing program of our lake waters and fish for mercury contamination from the proper state agencies. The nation's largest member-supported conservation advocacy and education group, the National Wildlife Federation unites people from all walks of life to protect nature, wildlife, and the world we all share. The Federation has educated and inspired families to uphold America's conservation tradition since 1936.