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Officials Continuing Mercury Reduction Campaign

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Officials Continuing Mercury Reduction Campaign

DANBURY — For residents with homes in Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, Redding and Ridgefield, October 14 marks the opportunity for a local collection of mercury thermometers.

Danbury’s Public Works Facility, on Newtown Road, will conduct its next Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, October 14, from 9 am to 2 pm. During this time, anyone possessing a mercury thermometer can also stop in the collection center and exchange their thermometer for a new digital thermometer, free of charge.

The State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection began a mercury reduction campaign last month as part of its annual Pollution Prevention Week by setting a goal of reducing 2,001 pounds of mercury in Connecticut by the end of the year 2001. To reach the goal, the CT DEP will be sponsoring many activities over the next year to reduce mercury in our environment such as mercury thermometer swaps.

“Reducing Mercury in the Environment” is the theme of Connecticut’s effort.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element. It is a metal, conducts electricity, and has the ability to combine easily with metals. It is liquid at room temperature and has been used in many household, medical and industrial products such as thermometers and thermostats.

 “Although mercury performs many useful functions, it is toxic to humans and wildlife and can impair our health when it is released into the environment through spills or incineration,” said Dr Joxel Garcia, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Mercury can act as a poison, causing a number of health problems affecting the brain, central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Children, especially those under the age of 6, are very susceptible to mercury poisoning.

Mercury that is released into the environment through spills or incineration is toxic to humans and wildlife. Fish located in mercury-contaminated waters bioaccumulate high levels of toxic methylmercury, which is then passed along the food chain.

It is also estimated that one-third of the mercury entering the atmosphere originates from the incineration of mercury-containing products disposed of in the trash. Although mercury thermometers are not harmful when used properly, they pose a threat to human health and the environment when broken or disposed of as trash. Non-mercury thermometers provide an excellent means to make simple adjustments in behavior and while also preventing further pollution from reaching the environment.

For more information, call the public works department in Newtown at 270-4307 or the Connecticut DEP’s Office of Communications at 860/424-4100. Residents of towns not listed in the first paragraph should also contact the DEP office to find out when their next local collection day will be held.

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