Mercury Special Report

Methylmercury can build up in many edible fish and marine mammals to levels that are many thousands of times greater than levels in the surrounding water. 2 The high levels of mercury in your environment and your food supply are of great concern since mercury is known to be toxic. It is known to be highly poisonous to your nervous system, and there is growing evidence that methylmercury can cause cancer. It is very difficult for your body to cleanse itself of heavy metals. Moreover, methylmercury exposure during pregnancy can affect your unborn baby. Environmental Upsets Mercury is not only harmful to you but may harm birds and affect their reproduction and behavior as well. Additionally, some seals and whales in the Arctic and some predatory marine mammals in warm waters are at risk. Even forest soils might be affected by mercury because it suppresses the microbiological activity that is vital to the terrestrial food chain. There is also evidence that climate change might be increasing the levels of methylmercury in some bodies of water. 2 There is plenty of compelling evidence that mercury is having a detrimental effect on the planet and your body. It is high time for international action. Such a global problem needs to be addressed at the global, regional, national and local levels. Areas needing immediate action include: •    Increasing protection of sensitive populations, such as pregnant women and children •    Providing technical and financial support, instead of contaminated vaccines, to developing countries •    Supporting increased research, monitoring and data-collection about the health and environmental aspects of mercury, including environmentally friendly alternatives.