Mercury is a neurotoxin that causes serious health problems and is especially harmful to fetal development and young children. If you have any of these items containing mercury, you can dispose of them at the Chemung County Household Hazardous Waste Collection event.
Exposure to mercury can cause nerve damage, respiratory problems, and birth defects and has resulted in fish consumption advisories in New York 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 the impact on human, wildlife, and environmental health. Some devices that may contain mercury include:
- Dental Amalgam (Fillings)
- Fluorescent Lamps
- Gauges
- High-Pressure Sodium Lamps
- Laboratory Solutions
- Manometers
- Metal Halide Lamps
- Neon Lamps
- Relays
- Thermometers
- Thermostats
View more information at the Cornell Cooperative Extension website.
Contact
Email Toni Gardner or call 607-734-4453, ext. 203 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County.