Mercury Fact Sheet
Mercury in consumer goods and the waste stream
Mercury is used in many household products such as thermometers, thermostats, barometers, and switches, including those found in irons, washing machines, and top-loading freezers.
Mercury is also in fluorescent and neon lamps, hearing aid and watch "button" batteries.
It is used in dental fillings, home blood pressure gauges, and antiseptics such as mercurichrome and preservatives in contact lens solutions. Some lighted athletic shoes, latex paints, and pesticides also contain mercury. To find companies that recycle fluorescent and neon lamps, ballasts, batteries, PCB materials, mercury-containing devices, or computers visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's listing of fluorescent lamp, ballast and computer recyclers.
Mercury does not degrade and is not destroyed by combustion. It can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled or ingested and accumulates in tissue. It is toxic and can endanger living organisms. Exposure to mercury can produce adverse health effects to humans such as immune system dysfunctions, vision, speech and hearing impairment, and even death.
Many lakes, rivers, and streams in Ohio and waterways in neighboring Great Lakes states contain high levels of mercury. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), a statewide fish consumption advisory is in effect for women of childbearing age, children age six and under, and immune sensitive individuals. For more information regarding the amounts and types of fish which can be eaten, visit ODH's website.
Safe Use and Disposal of Mercury
Knowing what products and items contain mercury and handling them properly will limit the risk of mercury exposure. Your local solid waste management district may offer disposal options for mercury-laden household and consumer goods.
Disposal of pesticides may be addressed through your local County Extension office.
In addition, several mercury-recycling companies are listed on an Ohio EPA web page maintained by the Office of Pollution Prevention.
For clean-up and disposal of mercury spills, immediately contact your local fire department or the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Spill Hotline at (800) 282-9378.
Other mercury information resources:
For more information on recycling or purchasing products made from recycled materials, please contact:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention
2045 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 265-6333
|