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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not made strong enough nor clear enough recommendations regarding how much or what kind of fish are safe for young children to eat. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on verge of weakening rules previously designed to eliminate mercury emission by 90% by the year 2008. Urge the FDA & EPA to more thoroughly regulate mercury as a dangerous neurotoxin and warn consumers of the risks of eating mercury-contaminated fish. http://capwiz.com/fmf1/issues/alert/?alertid=5395281 More than 150 tons of mercury are emitted into the air each year by chemical plants such as coal-fired power plants, and iron and steel plant that recycle automobile parts. Mercury has polluted more than 30% of the nation's lakes, estuaries, and wetlands. Mercury levels build up in the tissue of certain fish, and by consuming those types of fish (tuna, grouper, orange roughie) consumers are exposed to a toxin that interferes with the brain and nervous system. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to mercury's toxic effects that can include mental retardation, learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in six women of childbearing age have elevated blood mercury levels that can pose a risk to a developing fetus.
