Danger alert from fillings
Jul 1 2004 By Paul James, The Journal
The North's Crematoria
* Cowpen Cemetery, Cowpen Road, Blyth, Northumberland.
* West Road Cemetery & Crematorium, West Road, Newcastle.
* Saltwell Crematorium, Saltwell Road South, Gateshead.
* Preston Cemetery & Tynemouth Crematorium, Walton Avenue, North Shields.
* Whitley Bay Cemetery, Blyth Road, Whitley Bay.
* South Shields Crematorium, John Reid Road, South Shields.
* South Road Crematorium, South Road, Durham.
* Mountsett Crematorium, Ewehurst Road, Dipton, Stanley, County Durham.
* Darlington Crematorium, West Cemetery, Carmel Road North, Darlington, County Durham.
* Distington Hall Crematorium, Distington, Workington, Cumbria.
The Journal: Today's Voice of the North
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Tonnes of mercury emitted to atmosphere from crematoria in the UK
1999 - 1.34
2005 - 1.55
2020 - 2.20
The Journal: Today's Voice of the North
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European Commission is ready to take on deadly toxin - mercury
Mercury has been adopted as a 'priority hazardous substance' under the European Commission's Water Framework Directive.
The commission is now intending to bring forward measures aimed at ending or phasing out emissions, discharges and losses within the next 20 years.
Food safety experts have repeatedly warned people, especially pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, of the dangers of high mercury levels in fish.
The most toxic form of mercury is methylmercury, which damages the central nervous system.
Studies published by the European Commission, United Nations and World Health Organisation all warn that it can easily cross the placental line into the system of the unborn child.
Researchers have also found that higher levels of mercury can lead to an increased risk of heart disease in men.
Mercury found in tuna has led the Food Standards Agency to advise pregnant mothers not to eat more than four medium-sized cans or two fresh tuna steaks per week.
And they warn children under 16 to avoid eating predatory species, including shark, marlin and swordfish.
But UN experts have stressed that fish has played and should continue to play a key role in meeting nutritional needs.
