MERCURY THREAT

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32706, 8 September 1971, Page 17

MERCURY THREAT

Concern in Australia

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright)

HOBART, September 7. Mercury pollution in Australian waters is already threatening the oyster industries of New South Wales and Tasmania with collapse, and could wipe out the entire Australian sea food industry in 10 to 15 years if it is not checked.

This is shown in a preliminary study, by the chemistry department of the University of Tasmania, of the pollution of marine life by metals.

The study also indicates that mercury levels in local sea foods are already much higher than is desirable.

The head of the department, Professor H. Bloom, said after the release of the study yesterday, that the Australian Government should leam from similar crises in other countries, and take urgent and drastic steps.

“Metals like mercury have dreadful effects on humans—headaches, drowsiness, coma, then serious damage to the central nervous system,” the professor said “They attack the kidneys, liver and brain.” Professor Bloom placed most of the blame for the pollution on industries Which discharged their wastes into waterways. The greatest offenders, he said, were those connected with wood, wood pulp and agriculture. “Rain washes a lot of natural mercury compounds into the sea, but there is no doubt the greater part comes from industries,” he added.