For immediate release: December 19, 2005 (05-168)

Contact:
Madeline Beery, Mercury Education Program 360-236-3189
Jeff Smith, Communications 360-236-4072

Mercury in products poses threat — handle with care
New laws will reduce the amount of mercury in the environment

OLYMPIA ¾ While more companies are complying with a state law requiring labels on products containing mercury, state health officials continue to educate consumers, schools and retailers on the proper way to handle and dispose of products that contain mercury.

Mercury is a natural occurring chemical. Its unique chemical and physical properties allow 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.

“Mercury is found in many household products such as fluorescent bulbs, thermometers and some types of switches,” said Madeline Beery, manager of the Department of Health’s Mercury Education Program. “Our concern is that mercury continues to show up in our environment, and that raises a number of health concerns.”

Beery said the agency wants to warn consumers to avoid mercury-filled novelties during the holiday season. There have been a number of products offered throughout the years that include mercury-filled vials such as pendant necklaces, shoes and other items with flashing lights. Some of these novelty items contain mercury switches that trigger neon lights; these should be avoided because of disposal and puncturing issues.

The Washington State Legislature passed the Mercury Education Reduction Act in the summer of 2003. The act mandates the reduced use of mercury in consumer products and in some cases the elimination of mercury-containing products.

Part of the legislation called for products containing mercury to be labeled with the symbol “Hg,” its chemical symbol. A survey of fluorescent bulb manufacturers this year showed that 57 percent had marked their products appropriately, up from 34 percent from the previous year.

“We believe the message is getting out,” Beery added, “and we see that much more work must be done.”

So, what should you do with mercury containing products? Beery recommends that consumers start filling a hazardous waste bucket at home with old items such as mercury thermometers, used compact fluorescent lights and other fluorescent lights. Take this bucket twice a year to the local hazardous waste collection facility in your city/county for proper handling and recycling of the mercury in these products.

The new rules included in the act go into effect in January. Among the new rules are:

·        No sale of the following items if they contain mercury: thermometers, manometers (blood pressure cuffs), commercial or residential thermostats, novelties containing mercury and newly manufactured cars containing mercury switches.

·        Novelty manufacturers must notify retailers about proper disposal of mercury-containing items, and consumers should look for alternatives when products carry the Hg symbol.

·        All K-12 schools can no longer purchase, and must remove and properly dispose of, bulk elemental mercury and mercury compounds purchased for in the science lab.

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