Mercury is a neurotoxin that causes serious health problems and is especially harmful to fetal development and young children.
Exposure to mercury can cause nerve damage, respiratory problems and birth defects and has resulted in fish consumption advisories in Wisconsin inland lakes and streams. Human activity is the main source of mercury being released into the environment. Proper handling and disposal of mercury and evaluation of alternative products are necessary to minimize impact on human, wildlife, and environmental health. Some devices that may contain mercury include:
- Thermometers
- Gauges
- Thermostats
- Manometers
- Neon Lamps
- Dental Amalgam
- Fluorescent Lamps
- Metal Halide Lamps
- Laboratory Solutions
- High Pressure Sodium Lamps
- Relays
If you have any of these items containing mercury, you can dispose of them at a clean sweep event. For more information go to http://www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling.