Bill would affect Olin Corporation in Augusta

Congress is considering a bill that would phase out the use of mercury in the manufacturing of chlorine and caustic soda.

Olin Corporation in Augusta would be affected by the measure. It produces both chlorine and caustic soda.

It's one of four U.S. plants that use mercury in that manufacturing process, yet haven't committed to phasing it out.

The bill would end the mercury use in any U.S. plant producing the chemicals by 2012.

The congressional sponsors say there are safer alternatives.

Mercury is toxic. It causes neurological problems in children and fetuses.

Environmentalists here worry that mercury deposits, particularly in the Savannah River, increase exposure to it.

"Over the past couple of decades we've begun to realize just how toxic mercury is and how insidious it is," says Frank Carl, director of the Savannah Riverkeeper.

Olin, meanwhile, maintains that its use of mercury is safe.