family tools
choose a tool resource directory
find a practitioner parenting toolbox product safety media reviews family fun guide send an e-card family astrology

community features choose a feature birth stories find a Mothering friend live chat mothers' writing group teen voices

	growing child child health

The Mercury is Rising: Take Action!

Related Articles:
Article: The Mercury is Rising: And Activist Are Turing Up the Heat
Sidebar: Tuna Safety
Sidebar: Protecting America in the War Against Terror Act of 2005

All the bad news about mercury can be pretty discouraging. But there are things you can do.

• If you eat a lot of seafood, have a number of mercury amalgams, or otherwise have reason to believe you’ve been exposed to mercury, and you’re thinking about getting pregnant, have your mercury levels tested by a doctor specializing in environmental medicine. The website for the American Academy of Environmental Medicine will help you find a physician in your area. Limit fish consumption to safer fish. If you must have a cavity filled, ask your dentist to use a composite filling. Avoid vaccines containing thimerosal.
  
  Article continues below

  ---

  ---

  
  
• If you’re pregnant and have dental amalgams, take chlorella before meals. According to Leo Cashman, Executive Director of DAMS (Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome), this will help your body excrete the mercury. Call DAMS, at 1 (800) 311-6265 for list of knowledgeable dentists in your area.
  
• Trade your mercury thermometer in for a digital one. A number of states have mercury disposal sites. Go to www.earth911.org to find the one closest to you. Do not throw any item containing mercury into your household trash.
  
• Look up your legislators’ contact information at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov. Ask them what they’re doing to support mercury legislation in your state.
  Spread the word. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.
  
• Surf the web. Get thorough and timely information from a variety of online sources.
  
• Join forces with an anti-mercury advocacy group.
• Donate money to a group dedicated to public education and stronger mercury legislation.