Report: Toxins Could be Sickening Some Wis. Residents

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Posted: 11:32 AM Feb 12, 2008 Report: Toxins Could be Sickening Some Wis. Residents Environmental toxins, including mercury, lead and PCBs could be increasing the incidence of health problems like low birth weights, stroke and coronary heart disease in Milwaukee County. Reporter: Associated Press

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MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Environmental toxins, including mercury, lead and PCBs could be increasing the incidence of health problems like low birth weights, stroke and coronary heart disease in Milwaukee County.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report says pollution created by several active and abandoned Milwaukee County industries may be contributing to the county's higher-than-average rates of infant mortality, low birth weight, premature births and deaths from colon cancer.

The study was requested in 2001 by the International Joint Commission, an independent panel that advises the U.S. and Canadian governments on Great Lakes issues.

Commission spokesman Frank Bevacqua says the study isn't definitive but it shows where more research is needed.

Other areas cited in the study were the Milwaukee River estuary; the Menominee and Sheboygan rivers; Lower Green Bay and the Fox River; and the St. Louis River and Bay, on Lake Superior.