Do you eat the fish that you catch? Are you aware that you should limit your consumption of fish because of dangerous levels of mercury found in some fish? Did you know that mercury contamination is a result of emissions from power plants, waste incinerators, and other industrial sources? Indiana ranks fourth in mercury emissions from power plants nationwide. Even our most remote waters are contaminated. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce mercury once people are educated about the nature of the problem. This report attempts to further public education and promote solutions to end mercury pollution.

Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that threatens aquatic life and wildlife in lakes and rivers. Mercury contamination is found in many species of fish in Indiana, and the consumption of these fish presents a direct health risk to humans. Mercury affects human development which makes children, nursing mothers, pregnant women, and women of childbearing age (15-44) very susceptible to its effects. Human consumption of mercury may also affect neurological and sensory functions, the liver and kidneys in children and adults.

Unlike other recent studies this report focuses on a few specific lakes in Indiana with mercury contamination which can best be explained by the deposition of mercury from the atmosphere (air deposition). It will explain where mercury comes from, how it contaminates water, fish, other wildlife, and us. It will also explain why fish consumption advisories are in place and what can be done to safeguard your family from mercury contamination. Moreover, it suggests ways to prevent further mercury problems.

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