Category: Mercury

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are highly efficient. They use 75 percent less energy and on average last 7 to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. By requiring less energy, these bulbs reduce the amount of pollution from energy production, which includes the emission of mercury from coal combustion. Because these bulbs contain small…

It is critical that mercury be properly disposed of to ensure protection to humans, wildlife and the environment. Local health department offices in Utah may have containers available to collect mercury containing products from residents. To determine which region you are in check the Local Health Departments and District Engineers page. Please call them first…

Mercury was discontinued from regular alkaline batteries in 1996. Mercury is still used in button cell batteries in the types listed below. Do not place button cell batteries in the regular trash. It is recommended, to place the spent batteries in a sealed childproof container out of reach of children. Batteries are known to be…

The most common type of switch containing mercury is the tilt switch. Tilt switches are activated by a change in orientation (e.g. turning on/off the light in a vehicle engine compartment when the hood is opened and closed). The information below will: Help you identify products that contain mercury switches, Identify mercury-free alternatives where available,…

Mercury-containing flame sensors and temperature probes may be found in gas-fired appliances. A flame sensor or temperature probe consists of a metal bulb and thin tube attached to a gas-control valve. The mercury is contained inside the tube and expands or contracts to open and shut the valve. Mercury is contained in the probe and…

Devices that measure pressure may contain mercury. Barometers, manometers and vacuum gauges all have a gauge for reading air pressure. Liquid mercury in the gauges responds to air pressure in a precise way that can be read on a calibrated scale. Many barometers, sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors), vacuum gauges contain mercury ranging from 100 to…

There are various types of thermometers used for many applications. One common type is the fever thermometer. Although Utah does not have legislation banning the sale of fever thermometers, most Utah pharmacies and grocers have pledged to no longer offer mercury fever thermometers for sale in their stores. All mercury containing thermometers and manometers must…

Thermostats are commonly found in most homes and are also used for commercial applications as a means of regulating room temperature. The photo at the right shows common thermostats and the glass ampoule under the cover which contains the mercury. Mercury thermostats should not be disposed of in the regular trash. The information provided below…

Waste Mercury-Containing Product Handling and Storage Guidelines for Commercial and Institutional Facilities All employees who handle or manage mercury-added products shall be informed of proper handling and emergency procedures. Store mercury added products (fabricated products) in a designated area which is separate from solid waste disposal. (fabricated products do not include elemental mercury or mercury…

Mercury Spill Information Even the smallest amount of mercury needs to be treated as a serious issue. Care must be taken not to touch the mercury. Federal Notification Any time one pound or more of mercury is released to the environment (outside air,water, soil, or sewer system), the spiller must call the National Response Center…