Mercury Pollution
Protect our families. Reduce mercury pollution.

Mercury is a neurotoxin that affects the brain and nervous system, particularly in developing fetuses and children under 15 years of age. Scientists estimate that up to 600,000 children annually may be born in the United States with neurological problems leading to poor school performance because of mercury exposure while in the womb. Evidence also indicates that mercury exposure may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in humans, particularly adult men.

In Wisconsin, two major sources contribute to mercury in the environment, the largest of which is coal-burning power plants. The other source of mercury which poses a serious threat are products that contain mercury such as thermostats, space heaters, switches and measuring devices. When these products are disposed of, the mercury contained within them is crushed and dumped in landfills or worse yet, burned in incinerators. The DNR estimates that up to 5,000 pounds of mercury each year is released into Wisconsin's environment from discarded products.

More than ten years of work by Clean Wisconsin staff and members to clean up mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants came to fruition in the form of new regulations requiring 90% reduction of mercury emissions from the largest coal plants in Wisconsin. Clean Wisconsin members and staff worked alongside a broad range of stakeholders - from Native American tribes in Wisconsin to public health organizations, resort owners, minority groups, lake associations, legislators, and other environmental organizations.

Clean Wisconsin is working hard to reduce mercury pollution by banning mercury in products.