Join the Council on May 24th to speak up against mercury pollution
Should you and your family be concerned about mercury pollution?
Consider this: according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at least 1 in 12 – and as many as 1 in 6 – American women of childbearing age have enough mercury in their bodies to put their baby at risk.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin which is emitted into the air from coal-fired power plants, falls into waterways from rain or snow, then builds up in fish and the people that eat them. Toxic mercury is especially dangerous to the health of young women, children and developing fetuses, and mercury exposure threatens a child’s ability to walk, talk, read, write and learn.
Consider this: according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at least 1 in 12 – and as many as 1 in 6 – American women of childbearing age have enough mercury in their bodies to put their baby at risk.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin which is emitted into the air from coal-fired power plants, falls into waterways from rain or snow, then builds up in fish and the people that eat them. Toxic mercury is especially dangerous to the health of young women, children and developing fetuses, and mercury exposure threatens a child’s ability to walk, talk, read, write and learn.
That's why the Council is asking YOU to join us in Philadelphia on May 24th to ask the EPA to protect us from this toxic pollution.
On March 16, the EPA proposed an important new air quality standard to protect Americans against life-threatening air pollution such as mercury, arsenic and other air toxics from coal-burning power plants, which are currently allowed to emit hazardous air pollution without national limits. According to EPA, the new protection will save as many as 17,000 lives and prevent 120,000 cases of childhood asthma.
We need supportive voices from across the region to attend the EPA's public hearing on May 24th and speak out in favor of strong public health protections!
The public may preregister to speak at the hearings at a specific time. People also may register in person on the day of the hearing. To preregister to speak at the hearing, please contact Ms. Pamela Garrett, telephone 919-541-7966 or email garrett.pamela@epa.gov and request a timeslot.
May 24: 9 am to 8 pm
@ the Westin Philadelphia
99 South 17th Street at Liberty Place
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
@ the Westin Philadelphia
99 South 17th Street at Liberty Place
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
Preregistration deadline 5 p.m., May 19
People who cannot testify at the EPA public hearing can also submit written testimony, or tell their stories or concerns about mercury pollution to the news media. The Council especially needs moms and dads, educators, child-care providers, public health professionals and others who are concerned about public health to attend the hearing.
Please contact Katie Feeney, kfeeney@cleanair.org, 215-567- 4004 x 112, for more information on how to register to testify at the hearing or volunteer to join the Council and speak out about mercury pollution to the press.
Please contact Katie Feeney, kfeeney@cleanair.org, 215-567- 4004 x 112, for more information on how to register to testify at the hearing or volunteer to join the Council and speak out about mercury pollution to the press.
Thank you for working with us to achieve cleaner air!
