New Ads in DC Metro Focus on Risks of Mercury to Pregnant Women and Babies
(click any of the images to see a larger version)
Today, the Sierra Club launched an advertising campaign on Washington, DC's Metro (subway) system. The advertisements show images of pregnant women's bellies and point out the dangers of excessive levels of mercury on children. The ads target the dangerous levels of mercury pollution coming from coal fired power plants and the need to institute strong protections for Americans. The campaign will feature prominently in 160 cars throughout the system.
Coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of pollution in our country. Approximately 48 tons of toxic mercury are pumped into our air each year from coal-fired power plants, which are the largest domestic source of federally unrestrained mercury pollution in the United States.
At least 1 in 12, and as many as 1 in 6, American women have enough mercury in their bodies to put a baby at risk. That means that each year more than 300,000 babies are born at risk of mercury poisoning. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can damage the brain and the nervous system. Mercury is especially dangerous for pregnant women and young children, as the toxin can cause developmental problems, learning disabilities, and delayed onset of walking and talking.
The small text on the ads:
Mercury pollution from our nation's coal-burning power plants is harming pregnant women and their unborn children. Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin that can damage the brain and nervous system -- causing developmental problems and learning disabilities. Text COAL to 69866 to take action for cleaner air and water and to let the Obama administration know we are counting on them to protect our environment, our children, from toxic mercury pollution. beyondcoal.org
The ads also come in horizontal versions. Scroll down the PDF of the ads here to see all the versions.
