The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has enhanced its ability to monitor air quality in Prince Edward Island.
Minister Chester Gillan unveiled a mercury monitoring station at Southampton Monday which will enable his department to monitor mercury levels in the air.
"We recognize the seriousness of this contaminant, and we are working to minimize mercury releases to our environment," said Minister Gillan. "This new equipment will allow us to get an accurate picture of where we are now so that we can, in turn, more accurately measure our progress and the progress of others. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce potential health risks attributable to mercury exposure."
The mercury monitoring station in Southampton fulfills a requirement of the Mercury Action Plan adopted by the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers. As part of the plan, each jurisdiction agreed to set up and operate monitoring equipment over a period of five years.
The main sources of mercury in the air in Prince Edward Island are emissions transported up the eastern seaboard from the United States, as well as emissions within the province from large boilers burning heavy oil and from incineration of domestic and commercial waste. Mercury is used in everything from thermometers, thermostats, and electrical switches, to old paints and dyes, computers, batteries, medical equipment and flourescent light bulbs.
When released to the environment, mercury is converted to methyl mercury - a persistent, toxic contaminant that builds up in the tissue of fish. In turn, high concentrations of methyl mercury in fish pose serious health risks to people and wildlife that consume them.
Studies show that low levels of mercury can have subtle impacts on brain development and learning ability of children. Higher levels of mercury in children and adults are known to affect the kidneys and nervous system.
In addition to the potential health effects, high mercury levels can impact on the economy by reducing the recreational and commercial value of fisheries resources.
Minister Gillan said Prince Edward Island has made considerable progress in reducing mercury emissions. Results of stack gas testing at the Energy From Waste Plant in 2000 showed a 75 per cent reduction in mercury emissions since previous testing carried out in 1998.
The Minister added his department is working with the Island Waste Management Corporation to develop a management strategy aimed at removing mercury-containing items from the waste stream before they are sent to landfill or incineration.
"Of course, the even better alternative is to reduce the amount of mercury-containing items entering the waste stream. All Islanders can help do that by purchasing items that are mercury-free when possible such as electronic thermostats and digital thermometers rather than mercury thermostats and thermometers," said Minister Gillan.