Mercury Hazards
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal found in the environment as well as in manufactured products. In its elemental form it appears as a liquid at room temperatures. It becomes an environmental hazard when people come in contact with its vapors after breaking a thermometer or other device containing elemental mercury.
A form of Mercury also accumulates in fish, which can pose a danger to children and pregnant women. The State of Idaho has therefore initiated a Fish Consumption Advisory to inform the public about the problem.
On this page you will find a number of resources to help you understand the dangers of mercury, what to do with mercury-containing products at home, work or at school, and the Fish Consumption Advisory.
Resources
- Ada County Landfill Household Hazardous Waste
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- CDC – Emergency Response to Mercury
- City of Boise Household Hazardous Waste Program
- DEQ - What to do if you have a spill
- DEQ – Chemical Roundup
- DEQ - Mercury Switch Program
- H&W - Idaho Fish Advisory
