The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "mercury poisoning" ...
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The Mercury Connection
"The Mercury Connection showed that people who live near mercury hotspots in South Carolina have unusually high levels of mercury in their bodies. The series showed how the state has done little or nothing to address mercury contamination in people."
Tags: mercury; pollution; contamination; poison; state government
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Marshall Plant State's Top Mercury Polluter
The PPG Industries Chemical Plant in Natrium, Marshall County, "is West Virginia's largest source of mercury, a toxic metal that can poison the brain and is especially dangerous to children and developing fetuses." Reports filed with the Environmental Protection Agency reveal the plant "emit[s] more than 1,200 pounds of mercury into the air." The plant pumps salty water "through vats of pure mercury" to make chlorine and "only nine U.S. plants still use this 111-year-old process."
Tags: mercury; chlorine; toxic chemicals; chemical plants; West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection; Environmental Protection Agency; EPA; PPG Industries
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Gag Order
Penthouse looks at mercury poisoning in relation to amalgam dental fillings.
Tags: mercury; mercury poisoning; ADA; FDA; amalgam fillings; dental fillings
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Workers unwittingly take home toxins
U.S.A. Today examines workplace hazards affecting people who have never set foot in the places that are poisoning them. "Employees endanger their loved ones when invisible but poisonous substances cling to their belongings," the investigation finds. The report is based on information from a database, which shows that employees in more than 35 states have unwittingly transported toxins away from work sites. Instances of known or possible take-home contamination have occurred in at least 40 industry, the story reveals, and in the past 20 years there have been more than 1,000 probable victims of exposure. The reporter points out that families remain at risk, because the health hazard is overlooked, undocumented and widely ignored.
Tags: employment; hazardous waste; mercury; cancer; lead; contamination; radioactive material; pesticides; public health: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); nuclear energy
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Mercury Rising
Asbury Park Press reports that "A deadly form of mercury can cause devastating damage to young children and developing fetuses. Of primary concern are fish species that accumulate mercury. Yet governmental warnings are inconsistent. Though 34 states have issued freshwater warnings, few - including New Jersey - have done the same for saltwater fish. Consequences, scientists warn, could be severe."
Tags: poison methylmercury pollution toxic waste EPA environmental protection agency
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How mercury slid by the E.P.A.
The Nation studies the hazard of mercury contamination and finds that mercury is still used in some paints, yet government agencies are slow to study its effects on health.
Tags: lead poisoning; contamination; mercury; EPA; health; medicine