EPA Announces New Mercury Emission Guidelines at Children’s National Medical Center

Washington, DC – US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced new mercury emission regulations at Children’s National Medical Center today. The regulations are designed to reduce hazardous emissions from coal-fired power plants.

The toxins targeted by the EPA today are dispersed into the air and contaminate rainfall. Human contamination occurs primarily through consumption of contaminated fish. Children who are exposed to mercury and other toxins may experience developmental delays.

Leaders at Children’s National Medical Center commended the new EPA regulations. A long standing advocate for children’s health, Children’s National is home to one of ten pediatric environmental health units in the United States, and staff member Jerome Paulson, MD serves on the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee for the US Environmental Protection Agency and chairs the Executive Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health.

“Creating a safe environment for children – whether it’s at home, at school, or at play – is vital for our children’s health. By creating sound environmental health policies, we can ensure that our children are given the best chance to thrive,” said Kurt D. Newman, MD, President and CEO of Children’s National.Related links:

• Children’s National Child Health Advocacy Institute

Contact:  Susan Muma or Paula Darte: 202.476.4500