MERCURY IN SCHOOLS
Schools do not
constitute one of the largest sources of mercury to the environment.
However, they are places where mercury and children may come together,
and where appropriate health and
environmental protection behaviors should be modeled. Schools can also be catalysts
for reducing mercury in homes of their students (and staff). Most high
schools and middle schools have had one or more mercury
spills — elemental
mercury, thermometers, sphygmomanometers or barometers.
Listed below are Web sites, fact sheets, articles,
case studies and worksheets to aid in the understanding of mercury and
its impact on schools. The links will appear in
a new browser window.
Full Title: Mercury “Phase-Out” in Schools
Full Work Author: Michigan Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: This Web site lists links that would help in the
development of a school mercury management program, with links to
news articles and case studies that involve schools who have initiated mercury management programs.
Full Title:
Program to Rid VT Schools of Unwanted Science Lab Chemicals
Full Work Author: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Abstract: This document discusses a cleanout project started to eliminate
mercury in science laboratories. Schools are assisted with inventory and
clean-out of unwanted, unlabeled and unknown hazardous lab chemicals, including
mercury and mercury compounds.
Full Title:
Mercury-Schools
Full Work Author: Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Abstract: This primer acts as a quick guide to the essential
pollution prevention information on mercury in schools, and also includes a compilation of pertinent online resources.
Full Title:
Mercury in School Classrooms
Full Work Author: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare Public Health Service National Institutes of Health
Abstract: This fact sheet gives information on how long a
child should be exposed to mercury, where it is found in the
classroom, and effects of mercury exposure.
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:
Mercury Get Mad Now, Not Later
Full Work Author: WLSSD-Duluth, Minn.
Abstract: This fact sheet offers information on what mercury is, gives
some background information on its discovery, how mercury reacts in the environment,
mercury-containing products in the home, mercury prevention, and what to do with the
household products that contain mercury.
Full Title:
Mercury: Managing, Recycling, Disposing: Guide to Conducting an Audit
Full Work Author: Pollution Prevention Partnership for Environmental Responsibility in Erie
Abstract: This brochure is a guide to how to conduct an audit to identify
mercury-containing sources, to consider alternatives for mercury-containing items,
manage and recycle mercury properly, manage energy efficiently, and determine mercury
content of materials that contain mercury.
Full Title:
Mercury Search Worksheet
Full Work Author: Indiana Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance
Abstract: This fun activity lets kids search through a picture and try to identify
the sources of mercury that might be on the page. An answer sheet is included.
Full Title:
Information for Hatter’s Helpers: What Kids Need to Know about Mercury
Full Work Author: National Institute of Health: Mercury-Free Campaign
Abstract: This fact sheet for kids offers them information on how mercury
reacts in the environment, what to do if there is a spill, and gives them encouragement
on how they can help with the cause.
Full Title:
Mercury in the Community and the Environment
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA
Abstract: This brochure offers information on everything you would ever
want to know about mercury and what to do with it. The information included
explains what mercury is, how to do a school audit, how to do a home audit,
where mercury comes from, what properties of mercury that kids should be concerned
about, includes case studies, and tons more information that kids would be interested
in. Teachers can do any or all of the activities with their classes or even allow the
students to choose the activities they are most interested in. Activities are designed
for high school classes, however teachers may consider teaming their students with
middle school classes for some of these activities.
Full Title:
What Kids Need to Know About Mercury
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA and Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
Abstract: This flyer is directed towards children and covers subjects such
as what mercury is, how mercury effects the environment, what to do if a spill
occurs, and how children can help.
Full Title:
Elemental Mercury Collection and Reclamation Program
Full Work Author: Bowling Green University
Abstract: The elemental mercury collection and reclamation program was
established following the report of young children who had contaminated themselves
and several buildings with elemental mercury. Participants in the program include
Bowling Green State University, Ohio EPA District Offices (Division of Emergency
and Remedial Response), Rader Environmental Services, and Toledo Environmental
Services. The program involves the collection of uncontaminated elemental mercury
from a variety of sources.
Full Title: Mercury-Free Zone: Working to be Mercury-Free by 2003; Clancy, the MPCA’s mercury-detecting dog
Full Work Author: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Abstract: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) introduced
Clancy, the agency’s mercury-detecting dog, while unveiling a program
to remove elemental mercury, mercury-containing chemicals and mercury-bearing
equipment from Minnesota schools. The site also discusses where mercury can
be found, what to do once it’s detected, and the benefits to schools that
remove mercury.
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