Mercury Usage and Alternatives in the Electrical and Electronics Industries

摘要

Many industries have already found alternatives for mercury or have greatlydecreased mercury use. However, the unique electromechanical and photoelectric properties of mercury and mercury compounds have made replacement of mercury difficult in some applications. The study was initiated to identify source reduction and recycling options for mercury in the electrical and electronics industry (SIC 36) and measurement and control instrument manufacture (SIC 382). The project identified trends in pollution prevention for mercury use throughout the U.S. economy by a review of the sources and use of mercury in the ecomony. Regulatory trends encouraging mercury pollution on prevention were examined, and current practices in the electrical and electronics industry were reviewed in details to identify potential source reduction and reuse options for mercury.