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MERCURY IN SCHOOLS
Mercury is a toxic metal that has historically been used in high school chemistry labs
because of its unique chemical and physical properties. However, due to an increased
awareness of the health and environmental impacts, as well as some recent costly spill
incidents, there has been a concentrated effort to eliminate mercury from school
curriculums and safely manage existing supplies. Check out this website for more
information on mercury - www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/schools/ and you can check
out our website - www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/mercury.htm
Health Impacts
Mercury exposure can occur through inhaling mercury vapors, or drinking water and eating
fish contaminated with mercury and mercury compounds. Mercury is toxic to the central
nervous system and internal organs. Mercury can cause harm even at low exposures. At high
exposure levels, mercury may damage the brain and kidneys. Symptoms of mercury
poisoning include tremors, changes in vision or hearing, headaches, irritability, and
behavioral changes. The EPA has determined that methyl mercury and mercuric chloride are
possible human carcinogens. Mercury passes easily across the placenta and exposure to
developing fetuses can cause brain damage, mental retardation, seizures, blindness and an
inability to speak.
Managing Mercury in Schools
Schools do not need elemental mercury. The human health and environmental risks
associated with handling mercury do not justify its use in a school classroom. Schools should
hire a licensed hazardous waste handler to clean out any mercury, mercury compounds,
mercury barometers and other hazardous chemicals not being used. Mercury fever
thermometers can be replaced with digital equivalents.
Managing Mercury Spills
If a mercury spill occurs at your school, regardless of the amount, contact your local Health
Department.
You may want to contact your Regional New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation for more information. Remember to dispose of mercury through a licensed
hazardous waste vendor.
Mercury can be found in: fever and laboratory thermometers; thermostats; switches;
relays; gauges: manometers, barometers, vacuum; thermostat probes; fluorescent
lamps; mercury vapor lamps; metal halide & high pressure sodium lamps.
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