Harmful Effects
Mercury is a neurotoxin, which means that it destroys nervous tissue and/or affects the nervous system and brain. Neurotoxins cause numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the affected part of the body in adults. Most of the knowledge about the health effects of mercury poisoning are a result of studies done after disastrous mass exposures. In 1971, thousands of people in Iraq were exposed to mercury poisoning by eating bread that was made from wheat treated with a mercury fungicide. As a result, over 6,000 people were admitted to hospitals and 400 people lost their lives.
Women and children are at the biggest risk. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly 1.6 million U.S. women and children have dangerous levels of mercury in their system. In developing fetuses, mercury can cause birth defects and permanent brain damage. Also, anyone who regularly consumes game fish, such as most of Wisconsin's Native American population, increase their risk of mercury contamination.
Not only are people at risk, fish-eating animals and birds are also at risk. Studies have shown the following environmental effects are occuring:
- Animals that rely on speed and coordination to obtain food such as loons, eagles, ospreys, otters, and mink are especially at risk
- Reproduction rates have slowed Wisconsin mink and otters
- Mercury weakens fish eggs, opening them to increased bacteria contamination
- Mercury can cause deformities in developing animals
Econmic Impacts
Tourism is Wisconsin's third largest industry, bringing in close to $6 billion annually. Many of the tourist that visit the state, do so to enjoy the nearly 15,000 inland lakes. Fishing licenses sales alone bring in an average of $23 million to the state. The tourism industry also generates investments, creates thousands of jobs, and maintains high resale value of homes and resorts located on lakes. If actions are not taken to reduce, or at a very minimum stall the level of mercury in Wisconsin's rivers, lakes and streams, the state could lose a significant part of its revenue generated by tourism.
My good friend's parents own a bait shop in Stone Lake, Wisconsin, 15 miles outside of Hayward. In their county, and many others in northern Wisconsin, any establishment licensed to sell live bait is required, by law, to post warning signs that inform people of the risk of mercury contamination in surrounding waters. "Lots of people ask me if I've ever had a problem with mercury. I tell them that I've lived here all my life and eaten fish once a week the entire time without any problems," Bruce Payne, owner of the bait shop remarked. So far, Mr. Payne has been lucky. He also said he has seen no significant drop-off in sales since the mercury hype began around ten years ago.
