How poisonous mercury can get from coal-fired power plants into fish you eat – EPA weakens rules meant to lower the risk

Mercury is a neurotoxic metal that can cause irreparable harm to human health – especially the brain development of young children. A scientist explains how it gets from power plants to fish to you.

By: Gabriel Filippelli, Indiana University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 21, 2026

Words: 1,310

Last Updated: 2 days, 9 hours ago

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By Gabriel Filippelli, Indiana University

For years, people fishing along the banks of the White River that winds through Indianapolis were met by ominous signs warning about eating the fish they catch.

One of those risks was mercury poisoning.

Mercury is a neurotoxic metal that can cause irreparable harm to human health – especially the brain development of young children. It is tied to lower IQ and results in decreased earning potential, as …

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