Prevent the Release of Mercury into the Environment By: David McEwen.
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Transcript of Prevent the Release of Mercury into the Environment By: David McEwen.
Recycling: Batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, electronics,
thermostat and vehicle switches Prevent the Release of Mercury into the
EnvironmentBy: David McEwen
Adults Local and Tribal Governments County Sanitarians Schools
Audience
Identify sources of mercury Educate audience on consequences of
mercury exposure Educate audience on what is being done to
prevent mercury release into the environment
Educate audience on what they can do to prevent the release of mercury into the environment
Learning objectives
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009
Occurs naturally in air, water, and soil Found in consumer products such as:
thermometers, thermostats, vehicle switches, batteries, compact florescent bulbs
Burning of coal produces 40 percent of all domestic human caused mercury emissions (
Mercury released into the environment gets deposited into the soil and water
Can be transformed into methyl mercury by certain organisms.
Basic Info on mercury
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009
Methyl-mercury is a highly toxic form or mercury that builds up in fish, shellfish, and animals that eat fish, including humans
Humans can also be exposed to mercury in the form of vapor, however, this is a less common exposure route
Basic Info continued
High level mercury exposure results in harm to: the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages
Fish consumption is generally not a concern High blood mercury levels in the blood of
unborn babies and young children is of particular concern because mercury can have a significant adverse effect on the developing nervous system
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
2009
Health effects of mercury
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009
In water ecosystems, birds and mammals that eat fish are more exposed to mercury than other animals that dwell in the water.
Predators that eat fish eating animals are subsequently exposed to high levels of mercury
The harmful effects of methylmercury on such animals include: death, reduced reproduction, slower growth and development, and abnormal behavior
Ecological effects of mercury
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009
Regulations controlling industrial release of mercury into the air, land, and water
Regulations dictating the proper methods for treatment and disposal of waste containing mercury
Works with industry to voluntarily reduce mercury use and release
Works with state, tribal, and local governments to develop and improve mercury reduction programs
EPA’s role in mercury reduction
Purchase mercury free products Correctly dispose of products containing
mercury In essence, reduce the demand for mercury
containing products.
Role of the public in mercury reduciton
Batteries Florescent bulbs Thermostat/thermometers electronics
Recycling for mercury reduction
Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 2009
Alkaline batteries were of concern because they contained mercury, But this is not a concern with batteries manufactured today
They are, however, a concern for their corrosive properties
There are no local or state programs for recycling of alkaline batteries, however, businesses, households, and recycling centers can participate in fee-for-service programs
Batteries
Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 2009
Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s) are very popular for their energy efficiency
However, they contain a small amount of mercury which can be released into the environment
In order to reduce mercury emissions, the Montana Department of environmental quality urges schools and local and tribal governments to take advantage of a state term contract with Veolia environmental services
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 2009
Electronics such as computers contain trace amounts of non-toxic and toxic chemicals such as mercury.
Although they contain trace amounts, the cumulative effect can be substantial
In order to keep electronics out of landfills and reduce mercury release, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality works with communities and businesses across the state to organize recycling events
Electronics
Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 2009
Newer thermostats do not contain mercury However, many homes are equipped with older
mercury containing thermostats The Montana Department of Environmental
Quality has partnered with county sanitarians so residents and businesses can recycle such thermostats for free
In addition, local low-income weatherization contractors are trained to remove and handle mercury containing thermostats, which are then replaced by non-mercury containing thermostats
Thermostats
Mercury is naturally occurring in the environments but man has a substantial part in the release of mercury into the environment
The public can play a part by recognizing the importance of taking part in recycling of products such as CFL’s, batteries, electronics, and thermostats.
The public can also reduce mercury release by influencing the demand for such products
Conclusion
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. (2009). Mercury. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from
http://deq.mt.gov/Recycle/Mercury.asp#Therm o
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). Mercury: Basic information. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://www.epa.gov/mercury/about.htm
references
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009
EPA Safe Mercury Management EPA Mercury Home Mercury: Table of Contents - Peaks to
Prairies Pollution Prevention Information Center
Further Reading
The END