HomeMy WebLinkAboutmercury_info_for_websiteMercury
Pollutant Minimization
Program (PMP)
Introduction
Mercury is a naturally-occurring element that is found in air,
water, and soil. It exists in many forms including elemental
(Hg) or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and
organic mercury compounds. Pure mercury is a liquid metal,
and is commonly referred to as quicksilver which volatilizes
readily. It has traditionally been used to make many common
products including thermometers, switches, and some light
bulbs. The use of mercury has been reduced or eliminated in
many new products because of the findings that mercury is
highly toxic in both liquid and gaseous forms.
The City of Oshkosh is required by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) to meet discharge limits for a number of
parameters, including mercury. These limits
are set forth in the Wisconsin Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit
issued to the City’s Wastewater Treatment
Plant. The current discharge limit is 3.6 ng/L.
That’s 3.6 parts per trillion!
Mercury’s Impact on the Environment
Mercury’s Impact on Your Health
In addition to the numerical discharge limit, the permit also requires the City to implement and
maintain a mercury Pollutant Minimization Program (PMP). This program was initially
developed in 2006, and its purpose is to educate and inventory known commercial/industrial
sectors which are traditionally likely to use various forms of mercury. These sectors include
dental offices which place or remove amalgam, schools, hospitals/veterinary clinics, and
industries within the Pretreatment Program. These sectors are being expanded to include HVAC
contractors, salvage yards, and commercial/industrial entities not monitored by the Pretreatment
Program.
Mercury makes its way into our waterways indirectly and
directly. No matter how it gets there, it can have
detrimental effects on the health of the system. Airborne
mercury can fall to the ground in precipitation, in dust, or
simply by gravity (known as “air deposition”). After it
falls, it can end up in the waterbody where it can be
transformed into methylmercury by natural microbial
activity. Methylmercury accumulates in fish that could
harm them, and other animals that eat them. Direct
dischargers, such as municipal Wastewater Treatment
Plants (WWTPs), also contribute to the problem, which is
why only extremely low limits are permitted, and source
elimination is always at the forefront to keep mercury out
of our waters.
Exposure to mercury at high levels can harm the brain,
liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and central nervous and
immune systems of people of all ages. Usual exposure is
through ingestion or inhalation, but it is also easily
absorbed through the skin. Research has shown that most
people’s consumption of fish does not cause health
concerns; however, high levels of methylmercury in
unborn babies and young children may harm them
developmentally, leading to a hindered ability to think and
learn.
Mercury Spills and Cleanup
Cleanup Instructions
1. Put on rubber, nitrile, or latex gloves.
2. Carefully pick up any broken pieces of glass or sharp objects and place them on a paper towel.
Fold the paper towel and place in a zip-lock bag.
3. Locate visible mercury beads. Use the squeegee or piece of cardboard to gather the beads.
4. Use the eyedropper to draw up the mercury beads. Slowly and carefully squeeze the mercury
beads onto a damp paper towel. Place the towel in a bag. Label the bag as directed by your
local health or fire department.
5. After removing larger beads, put shaving cream on top of a small paint brush and gently “dot”
the affected area to pick up smaller, harder-to-see beads. Use sticky tape to pick up any
remaining small shards of glass. Place the paint brush and tape in a zip-lock bag and secure.
Label the bag appropriately.
6. Contact your County Health Department, City Fire Department, or the City’s Pretreatment
Coordinator for proper disposal in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
7. Keep the area well ventilated to the outside (i.e., windows open and fans exhausting to outside)
for at least 24 hours after cleanup. Continue to keep pets and children out of the cleanup area.
If sickness occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Products That May Contain Mercury:
Thermometers (silvery liquid)
Thermostats
Blood-pressure cuffs
Barometers
Fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs
Mercurochrome
Auto switches
Float switches
Button-cell batteries
Old latex paint (pre-1990)
Some oil-based paints
Old alkaline batteries (pre-1996)
Old light-up tennis shoes (pre-1997 LA gear)
Chemistry sets
Old fungicides for seeds and turf
Dental amalgam
Some imported jewelry (glass ampules with silver liquid)
Weight/counterweight in grandfather clocks
Questions?
For questions about the City of Oshkosh’s Mercury Pollutant Minimization Program (PMP), or to
inquire about recycling/disposal of mercury, please contact:
Jason Ellis
Pretreatment Coordinator
(920) 232-5374
jellis@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
Mercury in the Household