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Mercury and Schools
Introduction
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Characteristics of Mercury
• Evaporates at room temperature
• Travels long distance when volatilized
• Is extremely dense• Kills bacteria and fungi
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Harmful Impacts
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Mercury at Home & School• Thermometers• Switches• Appliances• Batteries• Cars• Fluorescent Bulbs• Some Computers
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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How Does Mercury Get Into the Air in the USA?
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Water Cycle
Infiltration Evaporation
CondensationPrecipitation
Groundwater
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From Mercury to Methylmercury
In water, (streams, lakes, rivers, oceans) Mercury is transformed to a
very TOXIC FORM
Mercury
Bacteria and Chemical Processes
Methylmercury
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Methylmercury
= Methylmercury
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Bioaccumulation & Methylmercury
= Methylmercury
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Food Chain & Bioaccumulation in Humans
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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)
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You Can Prevent Mercury Pollution
• Educate yourself and others• Buy mercury-free
alternatives• Keep mercury OUT of the
garbage• Conserve electricity
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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
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Mercury in Schools
Where to Look &
What to Look for
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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
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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.
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Science, Chemistry, Physics & Biology Classrooms
Why? They were used in various experiments. They may
still be in a cabinet or chemical closet.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Electrical & Heating Equipment
Check for thermostats, “silent” light
switches and disposal/management of fluorescent light bulbs
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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.
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Electrical & Heating Equipment
Alternatives:• Electronic thermostats and
non-mercury switches are widely available
• Fluorescent bulbs should be recycled rather than thrown out
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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
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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
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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.
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Which Lamps Contain Mercury?• Fluorescent lamps• Mercury vapor lamps• Metal halide lamps• High pressure sodium lamps• Neon lamps• High intensity discharge lamps
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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
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Mercury
At Home
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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
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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
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% 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%
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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!
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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
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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
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The Use of Mercury Reduced Electric Lamps - An Update
• Fluorescent Lamps
• HID Lamps
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Mercury-reduced Developments
• Mercury-free fluorescent discharges are available using xenon
• Efficiency is approximately 30% of a mercury based fluorescent lamp
• The search continues
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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
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What to Do in case of
Spill
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Small amount of Mercury(e.g. Thermometer)
•Use fans for a minimum of 1 hour
•Call local health department to get disposal instructions
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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/
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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)
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Contacts
• Enforcement – Chris Piehler – 225.219.3609– [email protected]
• Recycling – John Rogers– 225.219.3266– 800.305.6621– [email protected]
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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
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Questions?