Mercury Initiative

Ban on Sale of Certain Mercury Containing Products

What does the sales ban do? On July 1, 2004, a state law (The Mercury Fever Thermometer Prohibition Act, Public Act 93-0165) will go into effect that bans the retail sale and distribution of mercury fever thermometers and mercury-added novelty products in Illinois. It will also be illegal to give any of these items away as promotional gifts. Mercury-containing products can pose an immediate health threat if they break, and can also pollute waterways and harm humans and wildlife if they are thrown away. People are most directly exposed to mercury by eating contaminated predator fish. Exposure to high levels of mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetuses.

Mercury thermometers are usually glass and typically contain silver, metallic gray or black liquid. Each fever thermometer contains approximately one gram of mercury, which may not seem like much. But collectively, thermometers are a significant source, and it doesn't take much mercury to contaminate a lake or stream. Mercury thermometers are easily broken and can result in exposure to mercury vapor if not cleaned up properly. Several years ago, it was estimated that mercury fever thermometers contribute 17 tons of mercury to the solid waste stream annually.

The sales ban also applies to novelty items in which mercury has been intentionally added during manufacture, including children's toys, jewelry, footwear and games. It does not apply to mercury within a button cell battery or a fluorescent light bulb. Mercury was in the news during the 1997-1998 school year because jewelry containing the liquid form of the metal caused a scare at some schools nationwide. Local public health departments responded to several incidents in which mercury contamination occurred when the jewelry broke and children were exposed to the mercury inside. The necklaces were glass-vials attached to a wax cord filled with mercury and another liquid, probably water, of assorted colors.

What do I do with existing inventory? Ask your supplier or vendor who supplied you with mercury-containing thermometers or novelty items if they will take them back. If not, contact Becky Jayne at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention at 217-782- 8700. She can provide you with a list of mercury recyclers.