Cosponsors Needed for Mercury Thermometer Exchange Events [33 Pa.B. 426] The Department of Environmental Protection (Department), Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance, is seeking partners to cosponsor mercury thermometer exchange events throughout this Commonwealth. These events will provide the public with the opportunity to safely dispose of their mercury thermometers in exchange for a safer alternative. Cosponsors are needed for these events that are willing to supply the public with alternative thermometers free of charge.
Many citizens have mercury thermometers in their households; however, most are unaware of the harmful effects these thermometers can cause. Mercury thermometers can easily be broken, resulting in the release of mercury to the environment. Mercury is a toxic substance that is dangerous to human health, causing brain and central nervous system damage. Mercury is also known to be a major source of environmental pollution.
The Department anticipates the events will eliminate this source of mercury from the waste stream, prevent environmental pollution and educate the public about the toxicity of mercury. These events will also provide a unique opportunity for cosponsors to demonstrate their environmental and social responsibility by providing the public with mercury-free thermometers at no charge.
To learn more about becoming a cosponsor of an event or to obtain more information about these events, contact Ann Miller, Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance, (717) 787-0121, anmiller@state.pa.us.
DAVID E. HESS,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-96. Filed for public inspection January 17, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
