 Why Be Concerned About Mercury Thermostats?
Wall mounted mercury thermostats are a major source of mercury in the solid waste stream. The thermostats are burned or broken when disposed of by traditional methods, allowing mercury to be released into the environment. Many of us are aware that mercury does exist in our environment. However, we may not be aware of just how serious the problem is. Mercury is a toxic liquid metal which poses a public health threat. It is emitted into the environment, draining into waterways and is absorbed into our atmosphere through the process of evaporation. When a chemical such as mercury enters our environment, it becomes available for uptake by all living organisms. Unfortunately, mercury does not break down and builds up in fish,  birds and people.
One of the most common ways to become exposed to mercury is through the consumption of fish because of the high levels of mercury in our rivers, streams and lakes. Mercury affects the red blood cells, kidney tissues and the central nervous system.
— Source: Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, State of Maine
Links
Thermostat Recycling Corporation
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), a not-for-profit corporation founded and operated by thermostat manufacturing companies, facilitates the nationwide collection of all brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats so that the mercury can be purified for re-use.
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