In the News

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, and U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Brian Mast (R-FL-21) this wee introduced the “Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act.”

This bipartisan bill would establish a national monitoring program to provide researchers with better data on the extent of mercury contamination in the U.S., helping to inform where to target pollution reduction initiatives.

Mercury is toxic to humans, even in small amounts. It has adverse effects on both children and adults, and it can impair the brain development of a child in utero, leading to birth defects.

“Protecting children from harmful toxins is a no-brainer, and I’m proud to introduce this bill with both Democratic and Republican support,” Cartwright said. “Mercury pollution is a serious environmental and public health concern, but right now, we don’t have strong enough data to tackle it. With a national monitoring program, we can take more informed actions to protect Americans from exposure to this toxic element.”

“We must receive more data on mercury poisoning in order to protect all Americans from these harsh toxins,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.