What Is Mercury?
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is liquid at room
temperature. The liquid form of mercury is also referred to as
metallic mercury, elemental mercury, or quicksilver.
Mercury can measure temperature and pressure, conduct electricity,
and act as a biocide or a catalyst. Because of these useful
properties, it is found in many household and industrial
products.
In the wrong place, mercury is a pollutant. About two-thirds of
atmospheric mercury comes from human activities and about one-third
from of atmospheric mercury comes from natural sources, such as
volcanoes.
Sources of Mercury in the Household
Mercury in the household can be found in thermostats, some
anti-mildew and exterior paints, thermometers, and fluorescent
light bulbs. Household batteries are no longer a significant
source of mercury.
Why Is It a Problem?
Mercury is a neurotoxin and an airborne pollutant. Mercury
exposure can occur from skin contact with spilled mercury, inhaling
airborne mercury, or ingestion such as eating fish that contain
mercury. The liquid (metallic) form is fairly harmless if ingested,
more serious for short-term skin contact, and very serious if
inhaled. If mercury gets into the blood stream, it can cause
neurological damage, affecting the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and
liver in adults, children and fetuses.
Spilled liquid mercury evaporates into airborne mercury. Because
dropped mercury tends to scatter widely in small droplets, it can
be difficult to clean spills. After a mercury spill, a significant
amount of mercury vapor can build up indoors at room temperature.
It can be dangerous to breathe mercury vapor.
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Handling Spills and Disposing of Mercury
The EPA has information on cleaning up
spills and disposing of items containing mercury in your home.
Mercury from households is accepted at some events and at facilities that collect
hazardous household waste. You will need to contact the program
in your area to find out if it accepts mercury. If your area is not
listed, call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) or visit the 1-800 Cleanup web
site. for information on hazardous household
waste and recycling.
Learn More About Mercury
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Mercury Management
Health Care Without Harm
Mercury Information
