Abstract
This paper looks at whether or not mercury poisoning causes malformations in young children. There is some evidence for brain damage in fetuses from mercury which crosses the placenta and the blood-brain barrier, but there is no conclusive evidence on malformations caused by mercury poisoning. Mercury is a neurotoxin, so most of its affects are within the nervous system.

Tags:methylmercury, ethylmercury thimerosal, mercury

Abstract
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2007), "Mercury is a toxic, persistent pollutant that accumulates in the food chain." It is a liquid metal. Fossil fuel fired power plants are the largest source of human-generated mercury emissions in the United States. Although the concentration is low; atmospheric mercury falls to Earth through rain or snow and enters lakes, rivers and estuaries.

Tags:mercury, fish, contamination

Abstract
This paper examines various sources of mercury pollution and debates options for addressing the problem. The paper further discusses the various ways that mercury pollution takes place and the role the government should take to combat the dangers of mercury pollution.

From the Paper
"Mercury has been found to be one of the most toxic substances in our environment today and yet little has been done to stop its contamination of our air and water. Some sources advocate retiring mercury i.e. making it illegal to sell mercury. Since pollution of our air and water contaminates our food supply as well, it is also argued that we need to stop selling fish captured from the open sea and sell only fish that have been cultured in..."

Tags:mercury, pollution, retiring mercury, legislation

Abstract
This paper discusses mercury, lead, and asbestos. The paper explains that asbestos can poison the nervous system causing illness and/or death. The paper then discusses how mercury and lead are also poisons to the nervous systems causing many health problems.

From the Paper
""Personal and property damage caused by asbestos totals more than a trillion dollars ... more than 733,000 buildings (including old schools) in the United States contain asbestos" (Alkalize for Health, 2008, para. 9). Asbestos is only one chemical that can poison the nervous system causing illness and/or death. Mercury and lead are also poisons to the nervous systems causing many health problems. Understanding how mercury, lead, and asbestos affect the nervous system is a vital step in eliminating some of the problems that these chemicals cause. First, consider the health problems that mercury can cause."

Tags:lead, mercury, asbestos

Abstract
The paper reveals that the smallest terrestrial planet has a disproportionately large iron core occupying "42% of its volume whereas the iron core of the Earth makes up only 17% of the terrestrial volume" (171). The current study investigates this topic for the purpose of determining whether plausible scientific theories exist to explain this unique characteristic of the planet Mercury. The paper shows how findings of the current study reveal that the three leading theories - the collision theory, the chemical differentiation of the proto-planetary disk theory, and the solar wind theory - are not supported by compelling evidence. The paper argues that future research on the subject is highly warranted.

From the Paper
"The smallest terrestrial planet has a disproportionately large iron core occupying "42% of its volume whereas the iron core of the Earth makes up only 17% of the terrestrial volume" (171). The current study investigates this topic for the purpose determining whether plausible scientific theories exist to explain this unique characteristic of the planet Mercury. Findings of the current study reveal that the three leading theories - the collision theory, the chemical differentiation of the proto-planetary disk theory, and the solar wind theory - are not supported..."

Tags:mercury, solar winds, protoplanetary disk

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance to society of Reinberg's (2006: 1-3) article on the use of mercury in vaccinations. The article reports that there were increasing concerns about the use of thimerosal in vaccines as a causative agent in childhood autism.

From the Paper
"This paper discusses the importance to society of Reinberg's article on the use of mercury in vaccinations. The article reports that there were increasing concerns about the use of thimerosal in vaccines as a causative agent in childhood autism. However, the article reported that recent research had shown that this type of mercury was quickly excreted by children and did not have time to build up to toxic levels and so produce neurodevelopmental disorders. The importance..."

Tags:mercury, vaccination, childhood

Abstract
This paper discusses the chemical properties and uses of mercury. It particularly discusses the medical uses of mercury and then goes on to describe the concerns of using mercury for medicinal purposes. The paper discusses the fact that government regulatory agencies are being pressured into loosening mercury pollution controls, despite the fact that history and science have shown the risks of mercury poisoning. The paper concludes by discussing the possible link between mercury in childhood vaccinations and the development of autism.

From the Paper
"Thimerosal, or thiomersal, is an organic compound containing mercury, that is used as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment Originally trademarked under the name Merthiolate in 1929, it has been "used as a preservative in vaccines, immune globulin preparations, skin test antigens, antivenoms, ophthalmic and nasal products, and tattoo inks." (Wikipedia 2006c) Most childhood vaccinations not longer contain thimerosal, and are instead stored in single-dose vials that do not need the same preservatives added. It was first used as a bactericide in vaccines in the early 1930s, and by the mid 1980s it was used in the vast majority of vaccines. In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics requested the removal of thimerosal from all pediatric vaccines. Today, thimerosal is still used in a few United States vaccinations, and "The World Health Organization, with US funding, is providing thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) for children in developing countries with the same amounts of thimerosal, as were given American children at their peak exposure levels." (Wikipedia 2006c)"

Tags:immunization, Thimerosal, mercuralism

Abstract
This paper explains that mercury preparations and compounds are a vitally important component of U.S. production in a wide range of industries, but its use carries with it some known health and environmental risks. The author points out that the coal, agricultural and healthcare industries, which use mercury compounds, are most likely in favor of the legislation because of a lack of a suitable alternative. The paper recommends that the U.S. Senate support the proposed legislation because it represents a viable approach to moderating the impact of mercury emissions across the board, provides those industries that are not currently able to achieve EPA standards with the opportunity to improve and is cost advantageous.


Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background and Overview
Coverage in the National and Local Media
Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"How is this proposal likely to play out in the press? Clearly, this is an emotionally charged issue that is fraught with opportunities for misunderstanding among the public, and these misperceptions about the safety record and importance of mercury in many industrial applications may be overlooked. There is, in fact, valid reason for concern. According to Stadler and Murray, during a 12-month period beginning in 2000, several major developments in mercury-related industries emphasized the need for oversight in order to eliminate mercury pollution and exposure in the United States."

Tags:cap-and-trade, misunderstanding, moderating, epa, cost

Abstract
Discusses the serious problem of mercury pollution. Dangers to children and the developing fetus. Industrial air pollution as the major source of mercury pollution. Power plants and automobiles as other sources. Growing problem of mercury polluted waters on fish and humans who eat fish. Lack of effective treatment. Control measures.

From the Paper
"Summary
Mercury toxicity is a serious problem since mercury does not degrade in the environment and so once it is there as a contaminant, it is difficult to remove. It is highly toxic, particularly to children and the developing fetus, where it interferes with development, particularly the maturation process of the brain. Whatever form mercury is in - elemental, inorganic, or organic - it is toxic, and there is no truly effective treatment once it gets into the human body. Chelation therapy may help, but there are doubts as to its effectiveness or its ability to reduce the toxic effects which may have already occurred.

Most mercury pollution comes from industrial air pollution, although more and more water is becoming polluted from industrial ..."

Abstract
The paper discusses current government advisories that suggest limiting the consumption of certain fish because of high levels of mercury. The paper also discusses, however, how shellfish and seafood are an important part of a healthy diet. The paper addresses the risks that shellfish and seafood pose to the average US citizen and reveals that there is conflicting and biased evidence as to the actual risk involved. The paper concludes, therefore, that fears over fish consumption are exaggerated, but one should still follow government advisories regarding fish consumption.

Outline:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 3: Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"Since the 1800s people have been aware that fish contain high levels of mercury (Ferguson, 2005). The harmful effects of high levels of mercury in the human body have been known for many years as well. Recently, there has been a rash of media hype about the dangers of mercury to the developing fetus and to small children. This has led to suggestions that the public avoid consumption of certain shellfish and seafood above certain levels. However, this denies the known health benefits of fish, including the important Omega-3 fatty acids and their heart protective properties."

Tags:diet, omega, 3, chemicals