Mercury

What is Mercury?

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be found throughout the environment. Human activities – such as burning fossil fuels and hazardous waste, and the improper disposal of mercury containing products – have greatly increased the amount of mercury contamination in the environment.

Where is Mercury Found Around the House?

Mercury can be liquid or gaseous. In both forms, it’s just as dangerous.
You can find mercury in…

Fluorescent light bulbs
Glass thermometers
Some older light switches
Older household thermostats
Some metallic jewelry
Children’s shoes (with flickering lights)
Some toys with flashing lights
Clothing irons
Some clock pendulums
Older oil-based paints
Button batteries (watch-type batteries)

Fluorescent and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps are excellent energy-efficient choices because they can use up to 50 percent less electricity. However, used fluorescent and HID lamps must be disposed of properly because they contain mercury.

The Dangers of Mercury

Mercury is a highly toxic metal that is harmful to both humans and wildlife. Exposure to even small amounts of mercury, over a long period of time, may cause negative health effects including damage to the brain, kidneys and lungs.

Unborn and young children are especially susceptible to mercury exposure because their nervous systems are still developing. Whether it is absorbed through the skin, inhaled or ingested, exposure to mercury should be taken very seriously.

Brief contact with high levels of mercury may cause immediate health effects:

Nausea
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Eye irritation
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Insomnia
Weight loss
Skin rashes
Muscle tremors

Proper Storage and Disposal

Proper storage and disposal of mercury-containing products will greatly reduce the risk of exposure in your home. Store products containing mercury in a safe place to prevent breakage.
Carefully handle and dispose of those products by taking them to the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility for free and proper disposal.

If There’s a Spill

All mercury spills, regardless of size, should be cleaned up immediately and carefully. If the amount spilled is more than two table-spoons, contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. If a spill is less than two tablespoons:

Do …keep all pets and children away from the immediate area
Do …wear rubber or latex gloves when cleaning up a spill
Do …use cardboard, a squeegee or an eyedropper to gather and draw up mercury
Do …properly ventilate the spill area (turn off heaters, and turn up the AC)
Do …put clean-up materials in a sealable container

Don’t …use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to clean up mercury
Don’t …pour mercury down the drain
Don’t …wash mercury-contaminated items in the washing machine
Don’t …walk around – your shoes could be covered with mercury. Bring mercury-contaminated items to the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

Did You Know?

Mercury is a naturally occurring liquid metal
In its gaseous state mercury is colorless and odorless
A broken thermometer is the most common exposure to liquid mercury
Mercury salts are used in some skin-lightening creams, antiseptic creams and ointments
Mercury is a toxic substance that is very harmful to humans
41 states, including California have issued fish-consumption advisories due to mercury contamination
Larger fish have higher concentrations of mercury than small fish

Download the District’s Mercury Brochure Here

PDF of Interior
PDF of Exterior

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