During the presentation the speaker(s)
should focus on the most important concerns
of the groups that have hired them. After
each presentation members of the
Congressional Committee can ask a maximum of
THREE QUESTIONS.
1. What is mercury? Include the dictionary definition with
examples. Give the scientific explanation of why the chemical
is harmful and how the common understanding differs from the
scientific understanding of the contaminant.
2. What are the known concentrations of mercury in the air,
surface and ground water, soil, and other media in Ramford?
Where are the high concentrations of mercury found in Ramford?
What are the reasons for the relative concentrations?
What are the sources of mercury (e.g. point, non-point,
historical) nationally and internationally? Are there
changes in concentration over time? What is the mercury
effect based on activity and concentration in Ramford?
3. Explain the timeline for the human use of mercury, the
discovery of its effects and the policy concerning mercury
both in Ramford County and elsewhere. Cite case studies
concerning policy.
4. What is the evidence to support a
threat to human health from mercury? Explain the
chemical reactions and physiological effects due to
exposure. Is there a means for stopping exposure?
5. What are the primary routes of exposure (i.e. inutero,
breast milk, inhalation, ingestion) to humans? How do
human behavior patterns relate to exposure to mercury?
Is there a means for stopping exposure?
6. How much exposure to mercury will result in harm to
humans? What are the levels of greatest concern? What
are the scientific reasons for different levels based on the
routes of exposure? What exposure is of greatest
concern? Cite case studies.
