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Government Strategies
to Reduce the Risk of Mercury
There are many pro-active steps government can promote with the
public to have them reduce mercury risk. Many local governments,
including the counties of Thurston, Pierce, Snohomish, King and
Kitsap have organized collection events that are excellent
sources for public education and outreach. DOH has developed a
consumer fact sheet and a mercury reduction card that can be
resources for LHJs and other local government departments to
educate the public, and identify clear steps they can take to
reduce their risk.
Helping
the public see clearly the specific actions they can take to reduce
their personal risk is essential in environmental health, where the
problems often seem too large to comprehend for many. Some areas
that can aid the public in gaining awareness include:
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Prevention Through Awareness and Education
Although the public is becoming increasingly aware of the hazards of
mercury and other toxic chemicals, few know of all the products that
contain mercury or how to properly handle and dispose of them. There is still much more that local government can do to reach the
citizens of their communities. Educating the public via school
programs or outreach community events can have a significant impact.
Positive, Tangible Messages The
messages that local government conveys should include steps that
individuals can take that will empower them to make healthy
choices. Positive behavior change theory recommends that messages
be proactive, allowing people to actively make positive choices,
such as:
Hazardous Waste Collection
An
essential service provided by local government is the collection of
waste from businesses and homeowners. In many communities, the
hazardous waste collection operates in conjunction with the local
waste collection. However, hazardous waste is handled quite
differently and must meet federal standards. All mercury-containing
products should be handled separately and resorted or recycled
through national vendors.
Household Hazardous Waste facilities collect mercury products such
as fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, switches, elemental mercury, and
even dental amalgam from homeowners and often small businesses. Visit the Department of Ecology's
Hazardous waste service providers to locate a hazardous waste
facility closest to you.
Hazardous waste collection facility staff play a key role in
educating the public about how to separate, store, and transport
mercury-containing products. Some of the facilities have resource
and education rooms near their reuse centers or in their
collection vans. The staff at these centers is often well informed
and helpful. This can be a very effective method of public education.
Business Consultation
Moderate Risk Waste facility staff can play a key role in educating
businesses that use the facility to dispose of items. Some
facilities, such as the Tacoma and Piece County Moderate Risk Waste
facility, have staff that visit businesses periodically to discuss
proper risk management and disposal practices. This can be an ideal
time to give information on good business practices and gather
information on the levels of awareness and knowledge in the
community.
Healthy Communities: The Built Environment
Local
governments that incorporate green practices create healthier
communities that attract more vibrant populations to live, work, and
further enhance the community. Public awareness of the connections
between a clean environment and good health is increasing. Recycling
and hazardous waste take-back programs can help keep communities
clean and their people healthy. Communities
can have an influence on their citizens' product choices by
providing product education, supporting businesses that offer
alternatives to hazardous items, and supplying venues for proper
product disposal. Mercury is found in many products which are still
recommended for use, such as fluorescent bulbs. These items must be
properly disposed of. By providing proper disposal choices of
mercury-containing and other hazardous items, community members can
feel more at ease about their health and the personal choices they
make. Go to our product list for a list of products containing mercury.
Business
Local
government plays a vital role in creating a positive and healthy
business environment. Local governments can bring environmentally-conscious
businesses to their areas, which in turn will attract
environmentally-conscious residents, visitors, and even other
businesses to the community.
When a
business regularly deals with mercury-containing products, it is
advantageous to the community and environment to provide them with
proper disposal choices.
Local
government can support businesses that will be affected by the
MERA
compliance dates. A key date is June 30, 2006, when most
mercury-containing product sales will be prohibited in Washington
State. Among other businesses, this will likely affect retail
stores, wholesalers, HVAC contractors, car recyclers and building
contractors.
Healthy Schools
Some local health jurisdictions and moderate risk waste facilities
work with schools and educational service districts on environmental
issues. Schools need to be aware that labs in K-12 schools are
required to be free of elemental mercury or mercury compounds. See
the
MERA Fact Sheet for further information on the mercury-related deadlines
schools face.
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