MERCURY IN HOUSEHOLD AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND APPLICATIONS

摘要

Mercury has a long history of use in household and commercial products. The presence of mercury in these products may not be known to the user or the individual making a disposal decision. Improper disposal can pose a direct and acute health and safety threat, but more importantly, mercury reconcentrates in the environment through methylation and poses a chronic health threat to humans and wildlife at the top of the food chain. Disposal of household products is largely unregulated in the United States, and disposal of products from businesses is often unregulated or underregulated. The keys to proper mercury management and reduction of acute and chronic health threats are: 1. identification of products 2. education of product users and handlers 3. disposal prohibitions at the local, state, and federal level 4. development of collection and recycling programs under Universal Waste-type programs 5. pollution prevention through development and use of alternative non-toxic products. This presentation will include the results of Minnesota's product research, discussion of disposal and release pathways, and an overview of Minnesota's laws and rules governing sale, use, labeling, disposal, and manufacturer responsibility. Pollution prevention and management programs for several types of products will also be described. Examples will include mercury-containing lamps, thermostats, components of major appliances, and products used in healt1h care.