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