The amount of mercury polluting our air and harming your children may fluctuate greatly based on the activity at electric power plants, according to a Yale University study.

For example, researchers found mercury emissions in the Northeastern United States were cut in half between 2000-2002. From 2002-2004, however, mercury emissions increased by as much as 75 percent. But, those wild fluctuations can't be explained climatologically by changing air flow patterns.

Nevertheless, scientists believe milder winters in the Northeast and the corresponding diminishing need for coal-burning plants could partly explain an overall 20 percent decline in mercury emissions. Still, power plants account for as much as 40 percent of the mercury pollution in New England, as well as New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

One of the best and safest things you can do to protect your body and health from pollution: Take a high quality krill oil rich in omega-3 fats daily.

Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies July 24, 2006