(Washington, DC)  --  Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) introduced a methylmercury protection amendment to the National Uniformity for Food Act (HR 4167) this afternoon.  The Act would preempt and preclude any state laws that are not identical to the Food and Drug Administration's national statutes, including state fish and shellfish methylmercury notification laws that protect women and children from the poisonous toxin.  Methylmercury exposure is toxic to the developing brain.  Extreme pre-natal exposure can lead to child motor retardation and impaired memory, attention, and language skills.[1]

Methylmercury poisoning is a growing crisis in our country.  When emitted from smokestacks and other sources, it drifts into our nation's waters, and is absorbed by fish and shellfish.  In 2004, 44 states had issued some type of methylmercury advisory.[2]  "This is especially a problem for South Florida," said Wasserman Schultz.  "Not only do many residents eat an above average amount of seafood, but Florida's heavy rainfall and wetland ecosystem increases methylmercury exposure."   In the Florida Everglades, methylmercury concentrations in fish are up to ten million times greater than the concentration of mercury in the water.

"This health hazard is on our dinner tables and in our children's lunchboxes.  Stripping states of the right to protect their residents is unconscionable," said Wasserman Schultz.

In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory on how much fish potential mothers and children should be eating.  "White albacore tuna has such high mercury content that just one can of tuna is the maximum amount of fish an adult should safely eat within a week," said Wasserman Schultz.  "In fact, the FDA recommends that pregnant women completely stop eating larger predatory fish, such as swordfish, because the average methylmercury content per serving is so high that just one meal is unhealthy."

While the federal government works with industry to reduce mercury pollution on a national level, states have begun to address current mercury levels.  Many states now publish advisories, and California state law makers have taken the next crucial step by requiring warning labels on tuna fish cans, as well as other fish with high methylmercury levels and posting signs in grocery stores.

"By eliminating and preventing any additional state labeling laws, the National Food Uniformity Bill would bring all of this to a screeching halt," said Wasserman Schultz.

"I had never heard of methylmercury until I was pregnant for the second time, with my youngest child, who is now 2 ½ years old.  My OB-GYN explained I should start limiting my fish intake immediately-particularly tuna.  If I hadn't received such good care, I never would have known," said Wasserman Schultz.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly eight percent of American women of childbearing age have blood mercury concentrations higher than the level considered safe by the EPA. [3]  

Based on the CDC's assumptions, EPA scientists have estimated that at least 300,000 newborns annually have been exposed to dangerously high maternal mercury blood levels[3]--placing them at risk for adverse neuro-developmental effects.

# # #