Stop Titan meeting discusses dangers of mercury

As discussions continue about a potential Titan Cement Plant in Castle Hayne, so do the questions and concerns.

Wednesday night pediatrician Ed Horger spoke at a meeting sponsored by the group Stop Titan at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Doctor Horger said one of the plants by-products could be mercury, which can affect a child’s central nervous system. He said the result of exposure can be anything from poor brain development in fetuses to neurological problems.

“Exposure to methylmercury has been, I think, unquestionably found to be a neuro-toxin in developing fetuses and infants and I think anyway we can prevent increased production or release of mercury into our local environment is something we ought to do,” Dr. Horger said.

“The health effects to the children in the community are so large from something the fourth largest cement plant in the country,” said concerned parent, Kelly Stryker.

Titan contends the plant will be environmentally safe and is awaiting the issuance of an air quality permit.