Mercury Awareness

What Mercury Items Could Be
Lurking In Your Home?

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that does not break down. It is a metal and conducts electricity. It is a liquid at room temperature, combines easily with other metals, and expands and contracts evenly with temperature changes. Because of these properties, mercury has been used in many household, medical, and industrial products. Hg is the chemical symbol for mercury. Although mercury performs many useful functions in our workplaces and homes, it is toxic and can impair the way we see, hear, and function.

Mercury gets into the atmosphere, lakes and streams from three major sources: the burning of coal for power generation, natural sources, and improper disposal. Improper disposal of mercury-containing items includes pouring the mercury down the drain, putting it in the trash, or burning it in a barrel or incinerator. These improper methods of disposal can elevate mercury contamination to harmful levels. When mercury gets in lakes or waterways, it can undergo a natural chemical change which converts it to a more deadly form. This form can contaminate the food chain by building up in the tissues of fish and wildlife, and the humans who eat them.