BROOKLINE
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
1. Mercury is a toxic substance that can harm both humans and wildlife.
True.
Mercury is poisonous to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and immune system of both humans and wildlife. It is especially toxic to the brain and developing nervous system of children and fetuses.
2. Fever thermometers are the largest single source of mercury discarded annually in municipal trash.
True.
Recycling the thermometers keeps them out of the trash and prevents mercury from entering the air, water, and food chain.
3. The best way to clean up and contain a Mercury spill is to use a vacuum.
False.
Even tiny mercury spills must be cleaned up properly. Never use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to clean up a mercury spill. If a thermometer breaks use tape (masking or duct) or two pieces of paper to collect all the tiny beads and place them into a sealable, plastic container. If necessary, use an eye dropper to capture the beads of mercury. Wipe area with a damp sponge. All cleanup material, including paper, eye dropper and sponge, as well as any contaminated rug or portion of carpet must be properly disposed with the mercury. Put everything in marked plastic containers and take them to a local mercury-recycling site. If human contact occurs contact the Poison Control Center at 617-232-2120 (1-800-682-9211) and/or your doctor immediately.
4. How many states warn their residents not to eat certain species of fish caught in all or some of the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams?
40.
There is so much mercury pollution that 40 states warn their residents not to eat certain species of fish caught in all or some of the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
5.
The amount of mercury found in a single thermometer is enough to contaminate all the fish in a
20 acre lake.
20.
The amount of mercury found in a single thermometer is enough to contaminate all the fish in a 20-acre lake.
For more information go to the EPA’s website on mercury:
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/index.html
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