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Mercury

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Mercury


Mercury is a natural occurring chemical.  It's unique chemical and physical properties allows it to be used in a variety of household, medical, electrical devices, and other industrial applications. 

Although mercury is a very useful element, it poses a very real health risk. We can minimize this risk by reducing our use of mercury-containing products and properly disposing of mercury-containing waste.

 

The Washington State Legislature passed the Mercury Education Reduction Act (MERA) in the summer of 2000.  MERA mandates the reduced use of mercury in consumer products and in some cases the elimination of mercury-containing products.  Below are resources to assist in the understanding of mercury and it's effects.


Mercury and Washington State

       Information for Schools 

The Mercury Education and Reduction Act (MERA) Labeling, Recycling and Disposal Fact Sheet (pdf 32 KB) School Superintendent's Bulletin on Mercury (pdf 81 KB)

Mercury Reduction in Washington State Slide Show (pdf 444 KB)

Mercury in Schools Slide Show (pdf 371 KB)

Thermostat Recycling Project

The Mercury Education and Reduction Act Impact on Schools Fact Sheet (pdf 64KB)

 Resource Links

EPA’s Web Site -  http://www.epa.gov/mercury/about.htm

Ecology's Web Site - http://www.mercurymess.org

Washington’s Mercury Chemical Action Plan -http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/pbt/hginenv.html

City/County Recycling - http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/contact/recyclelinks.html

The health impacts of mercury – http://www.doh.wa.gov/fish/

Fish consumption advisories - http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/EHA_fish_adv.htm

Dental amalgams - http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/amalgam_dental_fillings_12-2003.htm

 
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