LET’S GET MERCURY OUT OF MAINE’S ENVIRONMENT

What’s the deal with mercury? Though many of us never used other than a mercury thermometer to take temperatures, now it’s all digital. Could Vacationland, with its pristine waters, pose a problem with mercury re: freshwater fish consumption? The answer, as many of us know, is yes. Why is mercury dangerous? What are the dangers?

Joseph Kneeland, a long-time resident of Tripp Lake, posed this question, as well as others, at our last annual meeting and then volunteered to find some answers. His report follows.

After speaking with Maine authorities, he found that though mercury may be natural to a lake or arrive via its inlets, most today is airborne and not abating. Little progress is being made to reduce this airborne pollutant, which comes principally from industrial boilers and the exhaust from internal combustion engines.

Suffice it to say, some lakes or rivers are worse than others, but all are affected by the West to East air currents, i.e., fallout. Without testing of fish specimens, we must accept the State norms as guidelines for consumption.

It’s hard to believe that fish that looks, smells, and tastes fine may not be safe to eat. But the truth is that fish in Maine lakes, ponds and rivers, have mercury in them. Other states have this problem as well. Mercury in the air settles into the waters, then builds up in fish. It never leaves the system. For this reason, older fish have higher levels of mercury than younger fish. Some fish, like pickerel and bass, which eat other fish, have the highest mercury levels.

Small amounts can harm a brain starting to form or grow. That’s why unborn and nursing babies, and young children are most at risk. Too much mercury can affect behavior and learning. Mercury can harm older children and adults, but it takes larger amounts. It may cause numbness in hands and feet or changes in vision.

Safe eating guidelines are: 1) Pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant and children under age 8 SHOULD NOT EAT any freshwater fish from Maine’s inland waters. For brook trout and landlocked salmon, the limit is 1 meal per week. 2) All other adults and children older than 8 CAN EAT 2 freshwater fish meals per month. For brook trout and landlocked salmon, the limit is 1 meal per week.

For more details, including warnings on striped bass, bluefish and lobster tomalley, call (207) 287- 6455 or visit online janus.state.me.us/dhs/bohetp/index.html.

Joe, we thank you and appreciate your efforts on our behalf.