Why is Mercury a
Problem?
 Mercury is a highly toxic element that can harm the brain, kidneys, and
lungs. As the only element or metal that is liquid at room temperature, it is
used in many common household products and fixtures.
To reduce risks to the public and environment, Washington State has passed
legislation making it illegal to sell or distribute certain mercury-containing
products in Washington, these include thermometers, manometers (blood pressure
measuring devices), and novelty items such as toys, games, jewelry, or
decorations that contain mercury. (For information on household mercury
products, see
Mercury in
Home Products.)
Mercury Pollution
Mercury enters the air, land, and water from many sources. In Washington
state, the top three sources from human activities are diesel fuel combustion,
coal-fired power plants, and wastewater treatment plants. Municipal and medical
waste combustion are also large sources. Mercury does not break down in
the environment, it is "persistent" and builds up in the food chain (bioaccumulates).
We add to mercury pollution if we throw a mercury product in the trash or wash
it down the drain. Each year, broken fluorescent lamps in Washington
release as much as 1,800 pounds of mercury. Thermostats and dental amalgam
add an estimated 400 pounds each. Broken thermometers may add up to 300
pounds.
Products That May Contain Mercury
- thermometers (looks like a silvery liquid)
- thermostats
- barometers
- fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps
- auto switches
- float switches
- button-cell batteries
- old latex paint (pre-1990)
- some oil-based paints
- old alkaline batteries (pre-1996)
- old fungicides for seeds and turf
- dental amalgam
Amount of Mercury in Products
|
| Product |
Amount of Mercury* |
|
Fluorescent light bulbs
|
0 - 50 mg
|
| Pocket Calculator |
0 - 50 mg |
| LCDs |
0 - 50 mg |
| Button-cell batteries (watches) |
0 - 100 mg |
| Thermostats |
10 - 1000 mg |
| Switches |
10 - 1000mg |
| Dental amalgam |
100mg to 1000mg |
| Thermometers |
0 mg to 3 g |
| Older pressure gauges |
3 - 10 g |
| Manometers and barometers |
50 g to several pounds |
| Plumbing traps |
100 g to several pounds |
|
|
*Figures taken from Purdue University and NEWMOA (Northeast Waste Management
Officials' Assn)
Mercury in Products database.
|
Dispose of Mercury Products
Responsibly
Take unwanted household products containing mercury to
HazoHouse at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center. HazoHouse is
open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Businesses must register and pay a
fee (call 360-867-2491). Do not break or tape fluorescent bulbs*; transport them in
their original boxes if possible.
*If a fluorescent bulb is broken, clean up carefully, place it in double plastic
bags (or equivalent), and take it to HazoHouse for proper disposal.
How to Clean Up Mercury Spills
If you spill a small amount of mercury (less than two tablespoons), do not
touch it, and don't use a vacuum or broom to clean it up, which could distribute
the mercury over a larger area. Open windows to the outdoors and turn off any
centralized heating or cooling system. Remove metal jewelry and
watches, and put on rubber gloves.
Use an eye dropper to remove all visible
beads of mercury, or use stiff paper to scoop it up. Place the mercury in a
wide-mouth container set in a pan to catch any drips, and seal the container
with tape. Use duct tape to pick up any remaining particles - shine a flashlight
on the area to see any beads of mercury. Place all the items that have touched
mercury into double plastic bags and bring to
HazoHouse.
If you spill more than two tablespoons, call the Washington Department of
Ecology at 360-407-6300.
Other Links
For additional information, click on any of the links below:
Hazardous Waste Update Articles
|
