1	Exposure to Mercury in West Virginia Public Health Report Bureau for Public Health West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
2	Mercury Man’s activities put more mercury in the environment than would otherwise naturally occur. Exposures to mercury can be reduced, but not eliminated, by restricting the emissions associated with man’s activities.
3	Mercury is a neurotoxin The health effects from mercury exposures are of special concern for unborn babies and young children because it is a neurotoxin.
4	Mercury spills are hazardous Elemental mercury vaporizes at room temperature. Vapors are colorless and odorless. People have been exposed to hazardous amounts without being aware of their exposure. Spills must be cleaned up properly to avoid spreading contamination.
5	Mercury in the environment
6	Everyone is exposed to mercury
7	Possible health effects People who do not eat fish are exposed to mercury (other than from mercury spills) at levels unlikely to cause adverse health effects. People who eat a lot of fish containing mercury may be at risk for subtle neurological effects.
8	Are we exposed to mercury in amounts that may affect public health? We don’t know enough about the fish-eating habits of people in West Virginia and the mercury content of the fish they eat to answer this question.
9	WVDHHR’s Public Health Goal Reduce the number of mercury-based fish consumption advisories in West Virginia.
10	Fish are part of a balanced diet WVDHHR recommends that people follow WV and US fish advisories to: obtain the benefits from eating fish (such as the omega-3 fatty acids needed for proper neurological development) while avoiding exposures to chemicals at levels that may affect their health.
11	Response to Comments - additions Flaxseed, canola oil and walnuts are vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Deep-ocean mercury removal rates are unknown. Aquatic mercury steady-state may be reached 5 to 30 years after changes in mercury emissions.
12	Response to Comments - explanations There are major differences between epidemiological studies of mercury’s effects. About one in six women in the US have blood mercury levels equal to or greater than 3.5 ug/L. Some researchers believe babies of these mothers are at “increased risk” of subtle neurological damage. Mercury measured in rain in Chicago and Detroit is not “unsafe” for humans.
13	Conclusions Reducing the amount of mercury in the environment will reduce the amount of mercury available to bioaccumulate in fish tissue. However, there is inadequate data to allow WVDHHR to estimate the effect restricting mercury emissions in West Virginia might have on this state’s fish.
14	Recommendations for WVDEP Continue to reduce mercury emissions, due to potential adverse health effects from mercury exposure. Resample fish tissue for mercury residues, as planned, in watersheds where the most restrictive fish advisories occur. Collect additional data about fish consumption habits (with WVDNR if appropriate)
15	Recommendations to WVDHHR Increase the public’s awareness of fish advisories. Encourage the removal and proper disposal of mercury-containing materials from homes, schools, and workplaces.
16	Other recommendations People should eat fish as part of a well-balanced diet while following fish advisories People should avoid handling elemental mercury and know how to clean up a spill should it occur People who eat a substantial amount of fish or work with mercury should mention this when mercury-containing dental amalgams are recommended.
17	Thank you The report is available at http://www.wvdhhr.org/rtia/atsdr.asp or call 304-558-2981