Finds evidence of excessive mercury in air and in worker's urine. Community concern increases over possible health consequences related to plant contaminants. Environmental Protection Division of Georgia Department of Natural Resources closes several adjacent waterways to fishing. Plant operations cease. Large community meeting convened in Brunswick.
Health risks vary depending upon the chemical form of mercury to which one is exposed.
Mercury may be characterized as elemental, inorganic or organic. Exposure of LCP Plant workers to excessive levels of elemental and organic mercury has been cause for concern. Mercury also is a renal toxicant which inhibits the kidneys' ability to filter and eliminate waste, including toxic substances. Scientists believe damage occurs at the cellular level. Excretion of certain proteins and other substances, particularly porphyrins, in mercury-exposed persons is providing clues to the type and amount of kidney damage incurred.