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April 30, 2003
LIHUE - On Saturday, May 3, Kauai residents can rid their homes of
dangerous mercury by bringing mercury fever thermometers and other
mercury-containing devices to Kapaa High School and Waimea High School
between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for safe collection.
Only items containing mercury will be
accepted at these drop-offs. The "Hawaii Mercury Clean-Up" is
sponsored in part by the Department of Health, Department of Education,
Hawaii Pharmacists Association, and the Hawaii Poison Center.
Turn-in your old thermometers during the "Mercury Clean Up" and
receive a coupon towards the purchase of new non-mercury thermometer
from one of these participating pharmacies: Longs Drugs, Westside
Pharmacy, Kalaheo Pharmacy, Papalina Pharmacy, Shoreview Pharmacy,
Safeway Pharmacy, North Shore Pharmacy, MedCenter Pharmacies,
Southshore Pharmacy, Menehune Pharmacy, and Hawaii Home Infusion.
The mercury clean up is intended to remove mercury from the
municipal waste stream and to educate Hawaii residents about the
potential hazards posed by this toxic substance. Many common household
products – such as thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs, switches
and button batteries – contain mercury. When these products are
incinerated, land filled or broken; the mercury can pollute the
environment. All of these products can – and should – be
disposed of properly at household hazardous waste collections or by
calling a licensed hazardous waste disposal company.
Exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, brain,
kidneys, liver and the immune system. 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 the Kauai
County Recycling Office at 241-6891.
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For more information, contact
Marlyn Aguilar
Department of Health
Phone:(808) 586-4226
E-mail: maguilar@eha.health.state.us
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