








Quick Links to
Fact Sheets on:
› Mercury Monitoring
› Mercury in Fish
What
To Do if You Have a Mercury Spill
(U.S. EPA Web site)
Idaho's
Fish Consumption Advisory Program
(Idaho Dept. of Health
and Welfare Web site)
DEQ Contacts
Dr. Carl Brown
Air Quality Division
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, Idaho 83706
ph: (208) 373-0206
fx: (208) 373-0154
carl.brown@deq.idaho.gov
Michael McIntyre
Water Quality
Division
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, Idaho
83706
ph: (208) 373-0570
fx: (208) 373-0576
michael.mcintyre@deq.idaho.gov
Joanna Pierce
State Office
Pollution Prevention Program
ph: (208) 373-0146
fx: (208) 373-0342
joanna.pierce@deq.idaho.gov
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Mercury in the Environment
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| About Mercury |
| Mercury
is a naturally occurring metallic element that is found in trace
amounts in air, water, and soil. It comes in three forms—elemental,
inorganic, and organic. Mercury is familiar to most of us in its
elemental form as the heavy, silvery liquid metal used
in thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, and some switches. Inorganic
mercury compounds are created when mercury is combined with
other elements, such as chlorine, sulfur, or oxygen. It is used
in some medications and industrial compounds. Organic
mercury compounds are formed when mercury combines with carbon.
The most common organic mercury compound, methylmercury, is produced
mainly by bacteria in water and soil.
> Link to more information
about forms of mercury
on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site.
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| Mercury in the Environment |
| In
nature, mercury tends to be bound up in rocks and soil and is widely
dispersed. Much of it is locked away in coal and other geological
deposits, where it does not pose a danger to living organisms. However,
human activities can release mercury from these natural sources.
When humans extract mercury from rocks or burn fossil fuels, it
is released into the atmosphere. Airborne mercury can eventually
settle into soil and rivers, lakes, and oceans, where aquatic microbes
convert it to methylmercury through a biochemical reaction. Fish
then absorb methylmercury from the water as it passes over their
gills and as they feed on other aquatic organisms. As larger fish
eat smaller ones, concentrations of the pollutant increase in the
bigger fish, a process known as bioaccumulation. Thus, mercury enters
the food chain and becomes concentrated.
People can
be exposed to mercury in a number of ways. They may come in contact
with mercury from broken thermometers or other spills in the home
or workplace. They may breathe in airborne mercury produced by coal-fired
power plants, mining operations, or other industrial sources. But
by far the most common route of mercury exposure in humans is eating
fish contaminated by methylmercury, according to the federal Centers
for Disease Control.
> Link
to more information about sources
of mercury on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site.
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| Health Effects of Mercury |
| All
forms of mercury are poisonous to humans. The severity of effects
depends largely on the amount and timing of exposure. Short-term
exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapor can cause harmful
effects on the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems, and
the kidneys. Chronic exposure can permanently damage the brain and
kidneys. Because fetuses, infants, and children are still developing,
they are particularly sensitive to the effects of methylmercury
on the nervous system, even at low levels of exposure, and data
are evolving in support of a link between methylmercury exposure
and increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease at any
age.
> Link
to more information about health
effects of mercury on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Web site. |
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| Fish Consumption Advisories |
| To
help protect public health, the Idaho Division of Health issues
fish consumption advisories when fish in water bodies in Idaho are
found to have methylmercury levels above what is considered safe.
Fish consumption advisories don't mean you should stop eating fish
from affected water bodies, however. Fish is a good source of protein
and low in saturated fat. Simply limit fish consumption to amounts
specified in the advisory.
> Link
to fish
advisories currently impacting water bodies in Idaho on the
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Web site. |
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| Mercury Pollution in Idaho |
| The
need for fish consumption advisories for some Idaho water bodies
indicates that mercury pollution is a factor in Idaho , as do the
results of water quality studies that show some water bodies in
Idaho are impaired and fail to meet water quality standards for
mercury. It is felt, however, that mercury pollution is less a problem
here than in more highly industrialized states, particularly in
the East and Midwest , where many coal-fired power plants operate.
Additional studies are underway to verify mercury estimates.
Sources of
mercury pollution in Idaho include a mixture of in-state and out-of-state
human-caused and natural processes such as mining operations, petroleum
combustion, coal-powered plants, various manufacturing sources,
sewage treatment plants, landfills, and other sources. |
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| What DEQ Is Doing to Control
Mercury Pollution in Idaho |
| DEQ
is working collaboratively with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, surrounding state environmental protection agencies, public
drinking water systems, the medical community, schools, and others
to reduce mercury sources in Idaho . Specific activities include:
- Mercury
Contamination Pilot Study: It is important that
we have accurate data upon which to base future efforts to reduce
mercury contamination in Idaho 's water bodies. DEQ is conducting
a pilot study of mercury contamination in the Salmon Falls Reservoir
and Jordan Creek in southern Idaho. Fish in both of these systems
exhibit elevated levels of mercury in their tissues. The purpose
of the study is to identify the sources of mercury contamination
in these areas. To this end, DEQ is collecting and analyzing information
from both air and water monitoring projects focused on the study
area. A broad-based, statewide study of all mercury sources may
ultimately be required.
- Mercury Deposition Network Site
Acquisition: DEQ is working to obtain a Mercury
Deposition Network (MDN) site in southeastern Idaho . The MDN
is a monitoring network currently comprised of more than 85 sites
in North America . Its purpose is to develop information on spatial
and seasonal trends in mercury deposited to surface waters, forested
watersheds, and other sensitive areas. The information will be
used to help determine how mercury emissions impact human health.
Link to more information
on the Mercury Deposition Network.
- New Mercury Rule and Total Maximum
Daily Load Development: Under a proposed rule initiated
by DEQ and codified into DEQ's
Water Quality Standards in April 2005, a new fish tissue criterion
for methylmercury will help us evaluate whether water quality
is impaired by mercury. This, in turn, will enable DEQ to develop
and implement water quality improvement plans known as total
maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for mercury in water bodies with
fish tissue that tests above levels established in the rule.
In 2004,
DEQ completed an assessment of water quality in the Snake River-Hells
Canyon Subbasin (Brownlee Reservoir) along the Idaho-Oregon border
where a mercury fish consumption advisory has been in effect since
1994. Development of a mercury TMDL was delayed, however, pending
acquisition of additional data on methylmercury in fish tissue.
A mercury TMDL for Brownlee Reservoir is scheduled to be developed
in 2006. Link to Snake
River-Hells Canyon (Brownlee Reservoir) Subbasin Assessment.
- Air
Quality Permitting: DEQ is the state agency delegated
responsibility for administering the federal Clean Air Act in
Idaho . This responsibility includes issuing permits that limit
the volume of hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, that
facilities may emit and conducting inspections of these facilities
to assure compliance with federal and state air quality standards.
DEQ also tracks and maintains a database of volumes of hazardous
air pollutants emitted. Link to more
information on hazardous air pollutants and air quality permitting.
- Voluntary Partnership with Hospitals for a Healthy
Environment (H2E): Mercury can be found in many
commonly used hospital devices and materials, including thermometers,
blood pressure monitors, esophageal tubes, and others. Most mercury-containing
equipment has a mercury-free alternative. H2E is a voluntary program
to help health care facilities reduce the amount and toxicity
of wastes they generate. In 2003, DEQ joined H2E and is working
with Idaho hospitals to facilitate elimination of mercury at these
facilities. Link to DEQ's
H2E Web page. DEQ has also worked with the Idaho Dental Association
to provide information to dentists on safe disposal of mercury
used in dental amalgam.
- BMPs for Mercury-Containing Equipment
at Public Drinking Water Systems: As the state agency
delegated responsibility for administering the federal Safe Drinking
Water Act in Idaho, DEQ works closely with local public health
districts and public drinking water systems to assure that the
water we drink is free of contaminants including mercury. In 2003-04,
DEQ conducted an evaluation of equipment used by public drinking
water systems in Idaho to identify mercury-containing equipment,
including electric switches, sensors, gauges, and meters, with
a potential to contaminate drinking water. A technical guide was
completed and is available to provide system operators with best management
practices to prevent mercury-containing equipment from contaminating
drinking water.
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Hazardous
Waste Regulation: Every business in Idaho is required
to track the volume of wastes generated, determine whether or
not each is hazardous, and ensure that all wastes are properly
disposed of according to federal, state and local requirements.
As the state agency delegated responsibility for administering
the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in Idaho,
DEQ maintains an inventory of hazardous wastes generated in
Idaho and works closely with businesses to assure that hazardous
wastes, including mercury, are transported, stored, and disposed
of safely.
- School Labs Chemical Management and Cleanup Project:
In a study conducted by DEQ in 2003-04, it was revealed
that a number of schools in Idaho have amassed large stockpiles
of hazardous products on school grounds and lack knowledge of
secure management and safe disposal procedures for hazardous chemicals
and waste. Mercury was among the hazardous materials discovered
at some school labs. DEQ has initiated a pilot project in eastern
Idaho to assist schools in removing mercury and other hazardous
products from school labs and to instruct science teachers in
safe chemical management and disposal.
- Public Education and Outreach: DEQ
is working to increase public awareness of risks associated with
mercury exposure and ways to reduce releases of mercury into the
environment. Among the projects under development are guidelines
for communities to host events at which mercury-containing thermometers
can be exchanged for digital models.
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EPA Opt-In/Opt-Out Determination |
| EPA's response to inquiry from DEQ's Director whether a state can "opt out" of the cap-and-trade program and then "opt in" at a later date |
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| What You Can Do to Prevent Mercury
Pollution |
| Mercury
pollution cannot be prevented by government action alone. Individual
consumers and businesses play an equally vital role. Here are some
things you can do to help reduce the threat mercury poses to our
environment and health: |
Buy
mercury free. |
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Choose products that do not contain
mercury. Look for digital thermometers and electronic thermostats.
Ask store staff to assist you or contact the manufacturer's
toll-free number directly. |
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Ask
your dentist if he or she will employ mercury-free composites
for any dental work and inquire if your insurance company
will pay for the mercury-free materials (if not, speak with
your employer or insurance company). |
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Ask your local pharmacy or hardware store
to consider phasing-out the sale of mercury-containing products.
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Discard
products safely. |
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Separate
mercury-containing products, such as fluorescent lighting,
thermometers, thermostats, old-paint (pre-1991), and batteries
(pre-1995) from regular garbage.
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Do
not remove mercury switches from products, such as thermostats;
it is safer to keep or recycle the product when it is intact.
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Take any mercury-containing products that
you have collected to your local hazardous waste collection
facility. Be careful that mercury thermometers are well protected
from breakage. Call your local municipality for information
on where to bring mercury containing waste or link to DEQ's
online Recycling Directory to find a collection site near
you. |
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Conserve
energy. |
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Turn the heat back and use air
conditioning only when necessary. An electronic programmable
thermostat can help do this for you. Burning less coal and oil
(that naturally contain mercury) for electricity will emit less
mercury into the environment. |
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Purchase only energy-efficient products, such
as compact fluorescent lights (instead of incandescent bulbs).
Even though fluorescents contain a small amount of mercury,
they will help reduce energy use and related pollution. Ensure
that spent fluorescent bulbs are recycled thorugh a household
hazardous waste facility. |
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Ensure your home is properly sealed and well
insulated. |
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Avoid
exposure to mercury at home, school, and work. |
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Never play or let your children
play with liquid mercury. If you come into contact with liquid
mercury, wash the affected area immediately. |
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Do not vacuum liquid mercury spills. If mercury
spills in your home or property, carefully collect the mercury
using a damp paper towel and place the mercury and all contaminated
waste in a sealed container. Contact your local
public health district if the spill is serious or if you
are unable to collect or contain the mercury. |
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Notify your employer or school official if
you see stored or spilled mercury. |
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| For More Information |
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