Study Links IQ and Mercury Emissions to Economic Productivity

By Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh, NY – A new study says lower IQ levels linked to mercury exposure in the womb costs the US 8-point-7 billion dollars a year in lost earnings potential. The study's authors say that the resulting life-long lost productivity threatens the nation's economic health and security and is directly attributable to mercury emissions from power plants. Regional environmental advocates say it emphasizes the need for regulation of midwestern power plants. More from WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.