Mercury is a metal with properties that make it useful for a variety of functions, included its use in materials that may be present in homes, businesses, and industry.  Mercury's extremely toxic nature makes it dangerous.  Mercury vapors are odorless, colorless, and tasteless.  If a mercury containing item breaks, the mercury can be absorbed into carpeting and clothing and volatilize into the air, contaminating areas for long periods of time.  Clean up of such areas can be very expensive.  Everyone should be aware of mercury's properties and the proper way to manage its use and removal.

Once mercury is released into the environment its toxicity, persistence and ability to travel up the food chain are important issues for human health and the environment.  In Ohio, there is a Statewide health advisory for mercury from fish consumption for sensitive populations, women of childbearing age and children six years old or younger, issued by Ohio's Department of Health.

The following Ohio EPA web site provides information on pollution prevention, alternatives to mercury containing products, locations to drop off old mercury containing products and information on what to do in case of a spill.

Mercury Reduction

Send mail to dsprague@cityofstmarys.net with questions or comments about this web site.