Ministry of the Environment to Examine Trace Mercury

Japan's Ministry of the Environment will start this autumn to examine the adverse effects of trace mercury contained in fish and other marine creatures on unborn children's health.

Studies from overseas have shown that children born to mothers who took in the amount of mercury considered safe in Japan had motor and mental development problems. Meanwhile in Japan, no such investigation has been carried out so far, in spite of its experience with Minamata disease caused by mercury pollution. The Ministry will determine the maximum safe level of mercury concentration in ten years.
http://www.env.go.jp/en/chemi/hs/minamata.html

Posted: 2002/10/03 11:34:08 AM
Japanese version