Statewide Mercury Clean Up

HONOLULU - Exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, brain, kidneys, liver and immune system. Residents across the state are being asked to make an effort during the month of May to rid their homes of household products that contain this dangerous substance. Items such as thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, switches and button batteries often contain mercury. These items should be disposed of at hazardous waste collections sites not dumped in household trash and sent to landfills or incinerators where they can pollute the environment.

Turn-in your old thermometers during the "Mercury Clean Up" and receive a coupon towards the purchase of new non-mercury thermometer from participating pharmacies. The following convenient drop-off sites will be open to receive materials between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays during the month of May:

Only items containing mercury will be accepted at this drop-off. The program is sponsored in part by the Department of Health, Department of Education, Hawaii Pharmacists Association, and the Hawaii Poison Center.

"Fever thermometers are a common source of mercury in municipal trash," said Larry Lau, Hawaii State Department of Health Deputy Director. "A thermometer exchange program like this one can reduce the amount of mercury in the waste stream and educate consumers about the products they buy and how to safely dispose of them."

If you suspect a mercury exposure may have occurred, or for other suspected poisonings, call the Hawaii Poison Center’s free 24-Hour hotline. On Oahu call 941-4411 and Neighbor Islands toll-free 1-800-362-3585. To find the hazardous waste collection site nearest you, call your county recycling office.

###

For more information, contact:

Marlyn Aguilar
Department of Health
Phone: (808) 586-4226
E-mail: maguilar@eha.health.state.us