MERCURY IN HOUSEHOLDS
How Can We Prevent Mercury Pollution?
Mercury can be found in a variety of household
items. When liquid mercury is spilled, it forms droplets that can
accumulate in the tiniest places; these droplets can emit vapors into the
air that we cannot see or smell. Mercury vapor in the air can be very
toxic. Families have been poisoned from mercury spills in the home which
have been improperly cleaned up. Children are at highest risk. The small
amount of mercury in fever thermometers, thermostats and fluorescent bulbs
is not likely to cause serious health problems, but it should be cleaned
up.
Listed below are Web sites, fact sheets,
brochures and articles concerning the impacts of mercury in the home,
recreation and common places that mercury can be found. The links will
appear in a new browser window.
Full Title: Mercury
in the Household
Full Work Author: Ohio Office of Pollution Prevention
Abstract: This fact sheet describes what mercury is, the main
sources of mercury found in the home, health effects, and what to do if
there is a small spill. Extensive information is given on each
mercury-containing source.
Full Title: Cleaning
Up Small Mercury Spills
Full Work Author: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Abstract: This Web site was created by the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality to give information on what to do if there is a
small mercury spill in the home. The information provided gives
step-by-step instructions on how to clean up the spill, where to dispose
of it, and precautions that should be taken to prevent further
contamination or injury.
Full Title: Home
Medical Mercury Devices and Liquid Mercury
Full Work Author: Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection
Abstract: This fact sheet explains what to do with household items,
such as mercury-containing thermometers and thermostats, if they should
break and cause a spill. The fact sheet also explains what to do when a
spill is much larger than a common spill from a thermometer.
Full Title: Mercury
Fever Thermometers
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA-Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
Abstract: This Web site has information on the most commonly asked
questions about mercury-fever thermometers, lists actions that other
states have taken to prevent the risks from mercury-containing
thermometers, discusses alternatives to mercury-containing thermometers,
and links to other comprehensive sites that explain what to do if there is
a mercury spill.
Full Title: Guidance
for Managing Broken Mercury Fever Thermometers
Full Work Author: Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection
Abstract: This Web site explains the importance of converting to
mercury-free thermometers and also gives suggestions for other
mercury-free alternatives. If a thermometer should break, this site
explains what to do with the broken thermometer.
Full Title:
Mercury Thermometers and Your Family’s Health
Full Work Author: Center for Health, Environment and Justice
Abstract: This Web site gives information on health effects from mercury
and stresses the importance of finding alternatives to the thermometers we use
in our homes. The site offers alternatives and suggests how to start a
thermometer exchange program.
Full Title: Waste
Reduction and Proper Waste Management of Products Containing Mercury
Full Work Author: N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and
Environmental Assistance
Abstract: This fact sheet describes waste reduction techniques to
control mercury contamination. It describes what mercury is, what products
mercury is found in, what kind of pollution prevention techniques can be
applied to mercury waste, and provides alternatives for mercury-containing
devices.
Full Title: Look
for Mercury in Goods and Products
Full Work Author: Swedish EPA
Abstract: The Swedish EPA has listed a number of useful hints as to
where and how you can look for mercury and how you should handle such
products when you come across them. You can also review general
information on the types of environments where mercury can be found, a
checklist for safe mercury disposal, and Sweden’s prohibition of the use
of certain products that contain mercury.
Full Title: Automotive
Mercury Switch Recycling Project
Full Work Author: New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses a program to remove switches
from end-of-life and on-the-road automobiles to reduce the amount of
mercury occurring in the air. The sheet discusses program barriers, as
well as the ability to carry out the program in other states.
Full Title: Toxics
in Vehicles: Mercury
Full Work Author: Ecology Center, Great Lakes United, and the
University of Tennessee Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies
Abstract: This report examines the historic and continuing use of
toxic mercury in automobiles and estimates its release to the environment
from end-of-life (ELV) processing. Despite voluntary agreements in the
late 1990s by automakers to phase out mercury-containing switches and
other parts, these items continue to be used in new vehicle fleets, and
some uses are even increasing. This report shows that emissions from
vehicle recycling and disposal is one of the largest sources of mercury
contamination to the environment, with as much as 200 metric tons now in
the North American vehicle fleet. The report also examines strategies for
cleaner production and proposes key policy solutions to eliminate mercury
hazards from new and existing vehicles.
Full Title: Specifying and Sourcing Mercury-Free HVAC and Building Equipment
Full Work Author: INFORM Inc.
Abstract: While manufacturers of building equipment have made substantial progress in reducing or eliminating mercury in building system control devices, some HVAC and building equipment on the market today still contains mercury components. By asking manufacturers a few simple questions, specifiers can avoid including mercury in new building systems.
Full Title: Managing
Mercury-Bearing Electrical Products
Full Work Author: Ontario Region Environmental Protection Branch
Abstract: This pollution prevention fact sheet is one in a
continuing series prepared under the Pollution Prevention Program of the
Federal Programs Division of Environment, Canada, Ontario Region. The fact
sheet presents a brief description of what mercury is, its health and
environmental impacts, a list of sources of mercury contamination, and an
extensive list and descriptions of products of where mercury is found.
Full Title: Household
Batteries-A Proper Disposal Guide
Full Work Author: City of Lawrence Waste Reduction and Recycling
Abstract: This fact sheet answers the questions of why batteries
are hazardous, what is being done with batteries that are turned into a
waste reduction facility, what nickel does, and information on recycling,
reducing and reusing.
Full Title: Mercury Alert: Antique Mirrors
Full Work Author: Elemental Services & Consulting, Inc.
Abstract:Many antique mirrors were made containing an amalgam of tin and mercury. Care should be taken when moving or working with antique mirrors. This fact sheet discusses one homeowner's experience with an antique mirror and the mercury contained within. Mercury vapor testing was performed.
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