The attendance of approximately 250, larger than anticipated, demonstrates the interest in this issue and led to some interest in holding another Midwest conference, perhaps next year. The following includes Region 5 staff's initial reaction to and reflections on the information presented at the conference. It is not meant to provide a summary of the presentations. A proceedings of the conference will be available in January of 1997.
Low alkalinity lakes and wetlands are the ecosystems most prone to accumulation of methylmercury.
Monitoring of biota is needed in such systems to identify affected areas. The primary health concern involves prenatal exposure to mercury. Additional research on the extent of exposure among various segments of the U.S. population is needed. However, voluntary approaches and economic incentive programs have the potential to lead to additional reductions. Inclusion of additional categories of mercury-containing products in the Universal Waste Rule on a national basis would help remove barriers to development of voluntary recycling programs.