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A Little Bit of Mercury is a Lot.
Mercury is toxic in small quantities, so toxic that even a very small
amount can contaminate a lake.
- A typical mercury thermometer contains about 2 grams of mercury.
- A mercury switch contains about 3.5 grams of mercury.
- A mercury thermostat contains about 3 grams of mercury.
- 100 fluorescent bulbs contain about 4 grams of mercury.
It only takes 3 grams (approximately 1/25 of a teaspoon) of mercury to
contaminate a 60-acre lake.
- Never break open items that contain mercury.
- Never pour mercury down the drain.
- Never burn mercury.
- Never put mercury in the trash.
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Office of Pollution
Prevention & Technical Assistance