• What happens to someone who consumes too much mercury?
People report feeling faint, losing hair and stomach upset. In babies and children, learning disabilities and behavior problems can develop. For some, the damage is permanent.
  • Where can I learn more about mercury in Utah?
The state has Web sites that describe the fish and waterfowl advisories: <http://www.deq.utah.gov/issues/Mercury>.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also has useful information at <http://www.epa.gov/mercury>.
  • How much mercury is too much?
Generally, it depends on your body size. The guidelines, jointly developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration, applies to children and women of childbearing age. It advises people in those groups against eating high-mercury kinds of fish, like swordfish and mackerel.

The Natural Resources Defense Council offers a "mercury calculator" for fish eaters on its Web page: <http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/protect.asp>.
  • Besides the consumption advisories, what else has the state done to deal with the mercury problem?
Utah environment, wildlife and health experts have not decided yet on a testing program to explore the extent of the problem. A 15-person task force, the Statewide Mercury Work Group, is developing priorities. Utahns can add their names to the state's mercury listserv for updates on its work.

The address is: <http://www.deq.utah.gov/Listserv/Mercury.htm>.