Mercury Pollution Document Declassified
May 17th, 1983
May 17th, 1983
How Long Ago?
41 years, 11 months, 12 days ago
Location
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
Category
Science & Technology
Links & References
- United States Department of Energy
- Mercury (element)
- Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Freedom of Information Act (United States)
Tags
Mercury Pollution Document Declassified
The U.S. Department of Energy declassified documents revealing the world's largest mercury pollution event in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The documents indicated that approximately 4.2 million pounds of mercury were released into the environment, due to years of industrial activities. This revelation was a response to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Appalachian Observer, highlighting the significant environmental and public health implications of such pollution.
Declassified documents revealed major pollution.
Pollution linked to industrial activities in Oak Ridge.
Approximately 4.2 million pounds of mercury released.
Appalachian Observer requested documents via FOIA.
What Happened?
The U.S. Department of Energy, in an effort to increase transparency, declassified a series of documents that unveiled shocking data about mercury pollution in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. These documents revealed that an estimated 4.2 million pounds of mercury had been released into the environment, marking it as the largest mercury pollution incident recorded globally. The contamination was attributed to various industrial operations that took place in the area, particularly those related to atomic energy research and production throughout the mid-20th century. The Appalachian Observer, through a Freedom of Information Act request, sought clarity regarding environmental safety and accountability, ultimately leading to this significant disclosure.
Why Does it Matter?
This event underscores the critical importance of environmental oversight and accountability in industrial operations. The large-scale release of mercury into the ecosystem raised awareness about the long-term consequences of industrial pollution on public health and the environment. Such revelations spurred public interest in regulatory measures for toxic substances, influencing policy changes regarding environmental protection efforts in the following decades.
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