Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

"The perch swallows the grub-worm, the pickerel swallows the perch, and the fisherman swallows the pickerel; and so all the chinks in the scale of being are filled." - Henry David Thoreau

The pollution of lakes and waterways with mercury was once thought to be primarily an isolated problem that affected only few areas. Today, growing evidence shows that mercury contamination in our national water resources is widespread. States with quite serious mercury pollution problems began to issue statewide fish advisory for mercury as early as 1975. Now, five of the six New England states -- and 33 of the 50 United States -- have issued advisories restricting freshwater fish consumption due to mercury. Mercury occurs naturally in the earth's crust, but the release of small amounts of this toxic metal by a large number of sources over time has led to high concentrations of mercury in New England's soils, sediments, and waterways. Today, mercury traveling through the air and landing in the water -- a process called atmospheric deposition -- is considered the primary way that the metal contaminates the waters of New England. Much of the problem comes from the emissions of distant power plants and nearby municipal and medical waste incinerators. High concentrations of mercury pose a risk both to human and ecological health in New England. Mercury deposited on New England's landscape is slowly released from soils into water bodies. Once in lakes and ponds, mercury generally does not remain suspended in the water column, but is deposited in the sediment. A tiny amount is incorporated into the food chain and undergoes biomagnification -- a natural process whereby contaminants like mercury are found at progressively higher concentrations as they pass from prey to predator up the food chain. Biomagnification of mercury can lead to concentrations in fish flesh that exceed safe levels for human consumption. Mercury can be toxic to both humans and animals, causing impairments in nervous systems and kidney functions. All six New England states are investigating mercury contamination in fish tissue, and all except Rhode Island have issued fish consumption advisories for all lakes and rivers. The primary health risk is to young children, pregnant women, and women of child-bearing age. These advisories are the result of monitoring efforts which have shown that some freshwater game fish have mercury levels in excess of the recommended levels set by state health agencies. Some states set health standards which are more protective than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's standard of 1.0 ppm (parts per million), such as Maine, which has a standard of 0.43 ppm. The State of Maine was the first in New England to issue a state-wide fish consumption advisory, which is based on fish tissue data from the Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (R-EMAP), a study funded by EPA which investigated mercury contamination in Maine lakes. The results strongly suggest that there is no consistent pattern of mercury distribution across the State, (Fig 10) and no obvious correlations between mercury contamination and any lake characteristics or water chemistry. This supports the belief that atmospheric deposition is the primary source of mercury. EPA is committed to reducing mercury pollution. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments established new rules for reducing the amount of mercury emitted from incinerators by an estimated 90%. Several New England states already require mercury emissions limits and testing for mercury in the stacks of municipal incinerators. In addition, pollution prevention and recycling programs to reduce mercury- bearing wastes -- such as thermometers, batteries, fluorescent lights and switches -- have led to significant reductions in the amount of mercury in solid waste streams. A national mercury study, examining the sources of mercury pollution and the associated risks to humans, fish and wildlife will be released by EPA this year. A companion report, the Utility Mercury Study, which characterizes the nature and importance of emissions from the utility industry will also be released in 1996. In addition, EPA's New England office, other federal agencies, our states and interstate organizations are working to compile current regional data and identify information gaps. This year, EPA is preparing to launch a second R-EMAP project to supplement state fish tissue investigations and provide sediment and additional atmospheric deposition information. The effects on New England's waterfowl is also under investigation. While EPA and the states are working hard to gain a better understanding of and figure out new ways to control the major sources of mercury contamination, citizens also have important roles to play. Mercury contamination of freshwater fish occurs throughout New England, but not all fish are unfit for eating. As a first step in being smart consumers, citizens should learn more about mercury contamination in their state and avoid any associated health risks. New Englanders can help control and prevent further mercury contamination by recycling and eliminating mercury products from household waste. In addition, adopting energy conservation practices, such as the use of energy efficient appliances and fixtures, can reduce the demand for electricity and hence reduce power plant emissions of mercury.