WASHINGTON (AP) -- New federal rules are in the works to limit the amount of mercury and other harmful pollutants released from boilers and solid waste incinerators.

A proposal Friday by the Environmental Protection Agency targets mercury emissions from about 200,000 industrial boilers, heaters and solid waste incinerators. Mercury can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in fetuses and children.

The EPA says the new rule should cut mercury emissions in the United States by more than 50 percent.

The public has 45 days to comment on the proposal before the EPA moves ahead.

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