Activists Sound Alarm about Mercury Emissions from Chlorine Plants

Activists Sound Alarm about Mercury Emissions from Chlorine Plants

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“Environmental activists say Chicagoans should be worried about mercury emissions from chlorine plants hundreds of miles away.

A new study by the Natural Resources Defense Council says some production plants release larger amounts of mercury than they report to the government. The closest plant to Chicago that still uses mercury to produce chlorine is in central Wisconsin.

Linda Greer, with the Natural Resources Defense Council, says This mercury eventually settles into rivers and lakes near and far, and it enters the fish that we eat.

Only eight plants across the country still use mercury, but their emissions are considered dangerous by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Mercury is considered a neurotoxin that can stunt the brain development of children.

Art Dungan, with a trade association for the chlorine industry, says the plants emit relatively small amounts of mercury, and are working with the EPA to lower emissions even further.“