Mercury and Schools

Introduction

OutlineBy the end of this activity you will learn:• What mercury is• Why mercury is dangerous• Where mercury is found• How mercury gets into the

environment• What we can do to stay safe

Acknowledgement• This program has been made

possible by a generous grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Pollutants (PBT) Program.

• Region VI staff: Ruben R. Casso

PBT/Toxics Coordinator Donna Cooper

Project Manager

Mercury is…………

• A heavy metal• Naturally occurring, found in

cinnabar– mined in Spain, Algeria, Kyrgyzstan

& China– Found in coal, oil & natural gas

• Highly toxic to humans & other living organisms

• Endangers the environment

Characteristics of Mercury (Hg)• Element - never breaks down• Liquid at room temperature• Expands and contracts

uniformly with changes in temperature.

• Conducts electricity• Mixes easily with other metals

Characteristics of Mercury

• Evaporates at room temperature

• Travels long distance when volatilized

• Is extremely dense• Kills bacteria and fungi

Harmful Impacts

Mercury at Home & School• Thermometers• Switches• Appliances• Batteries• Cars• Fluorescent Bulbs• Some Computers

Mercury ExposureMetallic Mercury vaporizes into the air at room temperature. The vapors present an immediate health risk to everyone spending a significant amount of time in a room where mercury has been sprinkled or spilled on the floor, or where open containers of mercury are present.

Mercury Exposure

Hat makers: One hundred years ago, their behavior was considered eccentric. They used felt (mixed with mercury) in the manufacturing of hats. Mercury absorbed into their bodies.

The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland

Mercury Exposure

Metallic mercury and its vapors are extremely difficult to

remove . The vapors accumulate in walls and other

articles in contaminated rooms. The contamination can remain

for months or years.

Mercury Exposure

Mercury can accumulate in electronic equipment especially computers. When the computer is turned on, the mercury re-vaporizes. This cycle of metallic mercury has

been seen in incidents in schools.

How Does Mercury Get Into the Air?• Mercury is found Fossil Fuels

especially coal• 54% electricity in the US

comes from burning coal• When coal is burned, Mercury

is released into the air

How Does Mercury Get Into the Air in the USA?

Water Cycle

Infiltration Evaporation

CondensationPrecipitation

Groundwater

From Mercury to Methylmercury

In water, (streams, lakes, rivers, oceans) Mercury is transformed to a

very TOXIC FORM

Mercury

Bacteria and Chemical Processes

Methylmercury

Methylmercury

= Methylmercury

Bioaccumulation & Methylmercury

= Methylmercury

Food Chain & Bioaccumulation in Humans

Fish Advisories• Fish advisories tell people

how much fish is safe to eat.

• Mercury is especially dangerous to fetuses, and to all growing children. So it’s important to not eat too much of the larger fish (High on the food chain)

You Can Prevent Mercury Pollution

• Educate yourself and others• Buy mercury-free

alternatives• Keep mercury OUT of the

garbage• Conserve electricity

In this section we discussed:

• What mercury is• Why mercury is dangerous• Where mercury is found• How mercury gets into the environment• What we can do to stay safe

Mercury in Schools

Where to Look &

What to Look for

Outline By the end of this activity you

will learn to find Mercury in school related areas:

• Science , Chemistry, Physics & Biology Classrooms

• Nurses Office• Electrical And Heating

Equipment

Science, Chemistry, Physics & Biology ClassroomsCheck for:

metallic mercury, mercury compounds, thermometers, barometers or other devices that may contain mercury

Metallic mercury may have “settled” in sink traps.

Science, Chemistry, Physics & Biology Classrooms

Why? They were used in various experiments. They may

still be in a cabinet or chemical closet.

Science, Chemistry, Physics & Biology ClassroomsAlternatives:• Other chemicals can be used in

class experiments to illustrate science or chemistry principles

• Alcohol or electronic thermometers are readily available and accurate

Science, Chemistry, Physics & Biology ClassroomsPossible Actions• Make sure any mercury,

mercury compounds, or thermometers are in non-breakable containers

• Items should be collected by school engineering and/or janitorial staff, held in secure area prior recycling them

Science, Chemistry, Physics & Biology Classrooms

Possible Actions• If mercury devices will not be

replaced, obtain spill kits for the science classrooms and storage rooms

• Make certain that several staff members are trained in proper spill control procedures

• Buy mercury free alternatives

Nurse’s Office

Check for thermometers, blood

pressure measuring devices (sphygmomanometer), nasal spray and contact

lens solution.Metallic mercury may have “settled”

in sink traps

Nurse’s OfficeWhy? • Mercury thermometers are used

to check body temperature. Sphygmomanometers can contain several pounds of mercury.

• Nasal spray and contact lens may contain thimersol (an ingredient that has mercury in it.), phenyl mercuric acetate or phenyl mercuric nitrate.

Nurse’s OfficeAlternatives:• Alcohol or electronic

thermometers are readily available.

• Aneroid blood pressure devices are available, shock resistant and effective.

• Many brands of nasal spray and contact lens do not contain mercury.

Nurse’s OfficePossible Actions• Make sure any mercury,

mercury compounds or thermometers are in non-breakable containers.

• Items should be collected by school engineering and/or janitorial staff and held in secure area prior to recycling them.

Nurse’s OfficePossible Actions• If mercury products will not

replaced, obtain a spill kit for the nurse’s office

• Make sure that nurses are trained in proper spill control procedures

• Use up existing stock of nasal spray or contact lens solutions then buy mercury free alternatives

Electrical & Heating Equipment

Check for thermostats, “silent” light

switches and disposal/management of fluorescent light bulbs

Electrical & Heating EquipmentWhy? • Thermostats are used to control the

temperature in buildings.• Approximately 75% of thermostats in

use today contain mercury.• Many “silent“ light switches contain

mercury.• Fluorescent tubes in overhead

lighting contain a minute amount of mercury but their total can be significant.

Electrical & Heating Equipment

Alternatives:• Electronic thermostats and

non-mercury switches are widely available

• Fluorescent bulbs should be recycled rather than thrown out

Electrical & Heating Equipment

Possible ActionsPlace stickers (designed by students) on any mercury thermostats or silent switches that indicate: – This device contains mercury– When this device is disposed, the

mercury should be recycled– When purchasing a replacement, a

mercury free model should be chosen

Electrical & Heating EquipmentPossible Actions• Notify purchasing department and

specify mercury free thermostats or light fixtures when replacing .

• Many HVAC contractors will recycle mercury thermostats.

http://www.nema.org/index_nema.cfm/664#find

Electrical & Heating Equipment

Possible Actions • Your school should recycle

fluorescent bulbs by replacing them in their original box in a safe, secure storage area until they are collected by a recycling contractor.

Which Lamps Contain Mercury?• Fluorescent lamps• Mercury vapor lamps• Metal halide lamps• High pressure sodium lamps• Neon lamps• High intensity discharge lamps

In this section we discussed:

• Where to find Mercury in school related areas:

–Science, Chemistry, Physics & Biology Classrooms

–Nurse’s Office–Electrical And Heating Equipment

Mercury

At Home

Outline

By the end of this activity you will learn:

• Types of Uses or Releases of Mercury From Households

• % of Mercury in Households • How to Hunt for Mercury at

Home• Opportunities to Use Mercury

Free Electric Lamps

Types of Uses or Releases From Households • Fluorescent

lamps• Appliance

switches (chest freezers, washing machines)

• Automotive switches

• Thermostats• Button batteries• Light switches• Thermometers• Dental fillings

% of Mercury in Households

Represent x% of Mercury in Households

Switches-Appliances

1%

Dental Filings21%

Lighting Switches14%

Thermometers5%

Switches-Automotive

10%

Thermostats49%

Represent x% of Mercury in Households

Switches-Appliances

1%

Dental Filings21%

Lighting Switches14%

Thermometers5%

Switches-Automotive

10%

Thermostats49%

Hunt for Mercury at Home• Share information about mercury

with your family• Family members may be able to help

you identify products that contain mercury

• You do not need to throw out all the mercury-containing products that you find

• Use common sense, recycling, safety and pollution prevention before taking action

• Buying smart is a great way to prevent pollution!

Hunt for Mercury at Home

Product Description What To DoMercury-Free

Alternative

ThermometersSilver Liquid in

tube

Bring to household

hazardous waste facility

Alcohol or digital thermometer

ThermostatsAll non-electronic

models

When it needs replacing,

recycle

Electronic “Set back” models

can help save on energy bills

Fluorescent lights

Light bulbs in the form of long or curved tubes

Continue to use these however, recycle them at the household

hazardous waste facility

None, although some newer

bulbs have less mercury than

others

Old Alkaline Batteries

Bought before 1990. Check

expiration date

Bring to household

hazardous waste facility

Rechargeable batteries

Hunt for Mercury at Home

Product Description What To DoMercury-Free

Alternative

MercurochromeAn old fashioned antiseptic for cuts

and scrapes

Bring to household

hazardous waste facility

New antiseptics do not contain

mercury

Maze ToysContain bead of

mercury

Bring to household

hazardous waste facility

Mercury-free games

Shoes that light up or make

noise

Bought between 1991 and 1994

Bring to household

hazardous waste facility

Sneakers that don’t light up

Chemistry SetsMay contain

mercury compounds

Bring mercury or mercury

compounds to household

hazardous waste facility

Other mercury-free toys

The Use of Mercury Reduced Electric Lamps - An Update

• Fluorescent Lamps

• HID Lamps

Mercury-reduced Developments

• Mercury-free fluorescent discharges are available using xenon

• Efficiency is approximately 30% of a mercury based fluorescent lamp

• The search continues

In this section we discussed:• Types of Uses or Releases of

Mercury From Households• % of Mercury in Households • How to Hunt for Mercury at

Home• Opportunities to Use Mercury

Reduced Electric Lamps

What to Do in case of

Spill

OutlineBy the end of this activity you will learn to follow mercury spill procedures in case of :– Less than or equal to the amount

in a thermometer – More than the amount in a

thermometer – Greater than one pound (two

tablespoons)

Spills: Less than or equal to the amount in a thermometer • Remove everyone from the area. • Remove all jewelry.• Sprinkle powdered sulfur over the spill.• Put on rubber or latex gloves.• Place all broken sharp objects on a paper

towel. • By using squeegee or cardboard, sweep

slowly to gather mercury beads. • Use an eyedropper to collect or draw up

the mercury beads. Slowly and carefully squeeze mercury onto a damp paper towel.

• Place the paper towel in a sturdy plastic bag and secure/seal.

Spills: Less than or equal to the amount in a thermometer• Place all materials (including gloves) used

with the cleanup in a trash bag, label and secure.

• Contact your local health department or your local fire department.

• Keep a window open for 24 hours after your successful cleanup.

• Continue to keep pets and children out of cleanup area. If sickness occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

• Sprinkle sulfur powder on the spill area after cleaning up the mercury. A color change from yellow to brown indicates that mercury is still present.

Spills: More than the amount in a thermometer

• Isolate the area• Turn down temperature• Open windows• Don't let anyone walk through

the mercury• Don't vacuum• Contact a fire department or

public health official.

Spills: Greater than One Pound (Two Tablespoons)

Any time one pound or more of mercury is released to the

environment, it is mandatory to call the National Response

Center (NRC). The NRC hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7

days per week. Call 1-800-424-8801. Note that because

mercury is heavy, only two tablespoons of mercury weigh

about one pound.

Small amount of Mercury(e.g. Thermometer)

•Use fans for a minimum of 1 hour

•Call local health department to get disposal instructions

Important Telephone Numbers and Links

• ATSDR General Information 1-888-422-8737

• National Response Center 1-800-424-9346

• Mercury Hotline 1-866-9-MERCURY• LDEQ 1-800-305-6621• Local Health Department• http://www.epa.gov/mercury/

In this section we discussed:Mercury spill procedures

in case of :– Less than or equal to the amount

in a thermometer – More than the amount in a

thermometer – Greater than one pound (two

tablespoons)

Contacts

• Enforcement – Chris Piehler – 225.219.3609– chris.piehler@la.gov

• Recycling – John Rogers– 225.219.3266– 800.305.6621– john.rogers@la.gov

Websites• DEQ www.deq.louisiana.gov• EPA www.epa.gov/pbt• Sustainable Hospitals

www.sustainablehospitals.org• Hospitals for a Healthy Environment

http://www.h2e-online.org/• Health Care Without Harm

http://www.noharm.org• Northeast Waste Management

Officials' Association http://www.newmoa.org/Newmoa/htdocs/about/AboutUs.cfm

Questions?