Effective mercury alternatives exist, according to a new preliminary assessment of the uses of elemental mercury in a number of products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded switches, relays, button-cell batteries, non-fever thermometers, and measuring devices, such as thermostats, do not have to contain mercury.
Under the Chemical Assessment and Management Program, EPA evaluated the use of elemental mercury in certain products and the availability of effective, economical mercury-free alternatives. The assessment determined the use of mercury in certain products poses a “high-priority, special concern.”
The agency plans to take prompt regulatory and voluntary action to encourage the use of mercury-free alternatives and reduce the use of mercury in products.
The EPA also has developed a searchable database compiling publicly available information from various sources to help identify consumer and commercial products that contain mercury and their possible non-mercury alternatives.
Click here for more information on the mercury assessment.
Click here for more information on the database.
