Mercury (chemical
symbol Hg) is a poisonous, heavy metal. It is also known as quicksilver,
because it is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.
Mercury occurs
naturally in the environment, and everyone is exposed to very low levels in
air, water, and food. But exposure to higher doses of mercury can harm your
health. Mercury is especially harmful to the developing nervous system of
a fetus or young child, as they are much more sensitive to mercury than adults.
Mercury can permanently alter the developing nervous system.
Why is mercury a health concern?
Eating
mercury-contaminated fish is the primary route of exposure for most people.
Mercury can enter and accumulate in the food chain, building up in fish,
shellfish and animals that eat fish. Find out more from the Department of Health’s Fish Consumption Advice website.
Breathing mercury
vapor that has been released when mercury is spilled or mercury-containing
products break is another source of exposure. Inhalation of mercury vapor
can be dangerous, so it is important to prevent spills and clean them up
immediately if they do happen.
- Thermostats
(wall thermostats for heating and cooling)
- Compact
fluorescent lightbulbs
- Thermometers
(fever and cooking)
-
Clothes
irons (with 15 minute automatic shut off)
- Skin-lightening
creams
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How can I reduce
mercury exposure in my home?
The best way to
protect you and your family from mercury exposure is to remove
mercury-containing products and devices from your home.
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Buy mercury-free products for
use in your home. Minnesota law requires that all
mercury-containing products be labeled as such. Mercury-free alternatives
are available for any product that would be used in the home.
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Stop using and if necessary replace mercury products
that can break and cause exposure. If
you have items such as thermometers, barometers, etc. that are easily
broken or release mercury when used, stop using them and take them to your
local household hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Replace them
with mercury-free alternative products.
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Conserve energy.
Using less energy at home will not only save you money, it will also help
reduce mercury pollution. When electrical power plants burn coal, trace
amounts of mercury from the coal are released to the atmosphere.
Conserving energy reduces the amount of coal that power plants burn.
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Properly store and dispose of mercury-containing
products and devices.
State law requires the recycling of all mercury-containing items. Take all
compact and other fluorescent bulbs (i.e. CFLs), and other mercury-containing
items to the nearest household hazardous waste collection site to be
recycled. Find your household hazardous waste site. Many home
improvement stores accept spent fluorescent tubes and bulbs for
recycling. Check with your local retailer or go to www.earth911.org.
What do I do if a mercury-containing device
breaks or spills at home?
Visit the Eco
Experience! This exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair brings together
organizations, ideas, and hands-on activities to show what you can do at home
to help the environment. It’s open August 25 through September 5 at the 2011 Minnesota
State Fair.
During your
visit,you’ll experience three model green homes, electric vehicles, native
landscaping, local farmers, recycled-content products, and lots of renewable
energy demonstrations. Come with your questions, leave with your answers.
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Find out what electric
vehicles are and why they might be a right solution for your future transportation
needs at this Electric Car Workshop. September 10, 1pm,
Midtown Global Market (Minneapolis).
Learn fascinating
facts about Mushrooms and More with expert Rosanne Healy
as you hunt through the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park. September 10, 9
- 11am, Bell Museum of Natural History, (Minneapolis).
Send questions or
comments about living green to the address below.
Sincerely,
Colleen Schoenecker
and the Living Green Team
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