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Mercury Pollution. - Atlee Zaborowski & Conner Baumgardner. 5 Biggest Sources of Mercury pollution. Coal-fired power plants Cement kilns Chlor-alkali plants Trash incinerators Gold mining. Specific Effects on Humans. Long term:
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Mercury Pollution - Atlee Zaborowski & Conner Baumgardner
5 Biggest Sources of Mercury pollution • Coal-fired power plants • Cement kilns • Chlor-alkali plants • Trash incinerators • Gold mining
Specific Effects on Humans Long term: *More than 60,000 new born children each year are at risk for Adverse Neurodevelopmental affects due to utero exposure in methylmercury (the most dangerous form of mercury poisoning). *Mercury poisoning can harm the development of the brain in young children and infants. *In adults, mercury can cause memory loss and affect fertility and blood pressure.
Specific Effects on Humans Short term: *It has similar effects as long term exposure, but full recovery is more likely after short term once the body clears itself of contamination.
Specific Effects on the environment Long Term: *If the fish that birds consume contain mercury poisoning, the birds (egrets, mallards, etc.) protective enzymes are less effective. *
Specific Effects on the environment Short term: *Fish advisories are put in place upon the discovery of mercury contamination, but may be lifted when experts feel contamination has been removed from the area.
http://www.usgs.gov/themes/factsheet/146-00/ • http://www.rodale.com/mercury-pollution-and-exposure?page=0,1