25% Of Wisconsin Men, 12% Of Women Surveyed Have Elevated Mercury Levels

"One in four Wisconsin men sampled in an ongoing survey have elevated levels of toxic mercury in their bodies, according to preliminary results from a state study. The study also shows that 12 percent of women haveelevated mercury levels -- above the 1-part-per-million threshold set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as a safe level in humans.

The results could be important as scientists determine whether elevated mercury levels cause heart disease in adults and developmental problems in children. The study -- conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Public Health -- is using samples of hair collected from volunteers.

Officials hope to test 2,000 hair samples from Wisconsin adults before the study ends in June. Hundreds more Wisconsin residents are being asked to send in their hair to be tested.

"Whether you're a vegetarian or eat fish every week, we want your hair," said Lynda Knobeloch, environmental toxicologist for the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. "The more people we have, the bigger cross-section of the population, the better sample we get." In addition to sending in about 100 hairs from the back of their head, study participants will be asked how often they eat canned tuna, store- and restaurant-purchased fish, and fish caught from Wisconsin lakes."

EDIT

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/10115084.htm

they are mad as hatters.

Professor 2