Mercury Tainted Fish in U.S. Streams

Another reason to modify the Clean Air Act has presented itself in streams across the United States. Scientists studying water quality in rivers have discovered that every single fish sampled in 297 rivers tested positive for mercury. Only a small percentage had mercury levels high enough to concern the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is pushing for new regulations on mercury emissions released by coal plants under the Clean Air Act. The areas of highest concern are the rivers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia.

What is Mercury?

Mercury is an element found in the air, water, and soil. Small amounts are also used in thermometers, switches and compact fluorescent light bulbs. The most common form of mercury is methylmercury. When coal is burned, mercury is released into the air. Once in the atmosphere, it undergoes a chemical change and become methylmercury. It eventually falls as rain and contaminates the water and its inhabitants. The predatory fish (i.e. swordfish, largemouth bass, etc,) are likely to contain increased levels of methylmercury. Exposure to mercury at high levels affects the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, and immune system.

Who is most susceptible to mercury poisoning?

Exposure to high amounts of methylmercury affects the nervous system of fetuses and newborn infants.

So what can you do about it?

If you are worried, stick to the smaller species such as: perch, bluegill, catfish, shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, and pollock. Also check the EPA’s Consumption Advisory Website that includes a state-by-state map for the mercury fish watch list in your area: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/states.htm.

Nitrous Oxide is the New Bad Gas in the Atmosphere

Scientists discovered the new bad gas in the atmosphere is nitrous oxide. It’s not a new greenhouse gas, but was trumped in the past by carbon dioxide and methane. Scientists now believe nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the main cause of ozone-depletion.
What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is both naturally occurring and man-made. It is a byproduct of microbial activity (bacteria). However, excess amounts of nitrous oxide are attributed to humans. It is released into the atmosphere by nitrogen-based agricultural fertilizers, animal manure, sewage treatment, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Seattle Wants the Bag to Stay Free

There has been a lot of press surrounding the campaigns to ban plastic bags in major cities. Seattle was one of the first cities to advocate a fee on plastic bags. The 20-cent fee was approved by the city council last year. However, the Seattleites wanted to enact their right to vote, and now they have. They have voted no to the plastic bag tax. An estimated 100 billion petroleum-based plastic bags are used each year in the United States and less than 5% are recycled.