MEDIA CONTACT:
Sally Anne Giedrys
Communications Manager
sgiedrys@ecotarium.org
(508) 929-2738
WHAT: THE MERCURY STORY
WHEN: July 1 &endash; September 1, 2003
WHERE: EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA
DESCRIPTION:
What's the story with mercury? Toxic levels of mercury in the environment pose a well-documented public health threat to people and wildlife. Related health issues are estimated to affect more than 60,000 people in the U.S. each year. Here in New England, it's a serious issue. Every New England state has issued advisories to limit consumption of freshwater fish, and the federal government advises limiting consumption of six saltwater fish species, including tuna and swordfish.
But it's not all about fish. Some household products also contain mercury. Electricity and waste disposal can also add mercury to the environment.
What's The Mercury Story? This interactive exhibit introduces visitors of all ages to the sources of mercury in New England's environment. It explores how it travels and how it reaches people and wildlife. Most important, visitors discover things that each of us can do to minimize the risks to ourselves and to the environment.
The exhibit engages visitors in learning why New England is so concerned about mercury and weighing the individual actions they can take to help reduce it.
The exhibit includes several interactive components that highlight the paths mercury travels through the environment, how it accumulates in waterways, how to compare mercury-containing products and ways to limit your own exposure. Creation of The Mercury Story was supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EcoTarium, a center for environmental exploration, is a unique indoor/outdoor museum with exhibits dedicated to exploring nature, indoor and outdoor wildlife habitats for non-releaseable animals, interpretive trails, an award-winning meadow, a planetarium, the region's only tree canopy adventure, and a narrow-gauge train. The museum is located at 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, Massachusetts. Free parking available. For information, call (508) 929 2700 or visit EcoTarium online at www.ecotarium.org.