Preventing Mercury Pollution: Practical Steps To Take Now

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal and a liquid chemical element at room temperature. It is highly toxic to humans and wildlife and is one of the primary pollutants of concern in Indiana's rivers and streams. About two-thirds of the mercury found in the environment today is there because of human activity. Mercury is released as pollution when coal is burned in electric generating plants, as well as through industrial processes and the improper disposal of household products that contain mercury. To prevent mercury pollution, products and processes that contain or use mercury should be replaced with those that do not. End-of-pipe techniques, such as filtering exhaust gases, are also effective control methods at the point of emission. In addition, international agreements, such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, aim to address specific human activities that contribute to widespread mercury pollution.

Stop burning coal in electric generating plants

Burning coal in electric generating plants is a major source of mercury pollution. Coal combustion releases mercury into the atmosphere, which can then travel long distances and contaminate waterways, endangering people and wildlife worldwide. To prevent this, we must reduce our reliance on coal-fired power plants and transition to cleaner energy sources.

One way to achieve this is by implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty that aims to reduce the trade, use, and emissions of toxic mercury. The United States joined this agreement in 2013, and it has the potential to significantly reduce mercury pollution over the coming decades. Additionally, we can support initiatives like the Zero Mercury Working Group, which works with governments and the United Nations to aggressively implement the Minamata Convention and address key mercury issues.

On a smaller scale, individuals can also play a role in reducing coal combustion by conserving electricity whenever possible. This may seem like a small action, but it can have a cumulative impact on reducing the demand for coal-fired power. Additionally, we can avoid buying products that contain mercury, except for essential items like fluorescent light bulbs, which use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Finally, it is crucial to dispose of mercury-containing items properly and keep them out of the trash. Mercury can spread easily and persist in the environment, so appropriate disposal methods are essential to prevent further contamination. By following these measures, we can help reduce mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants and protect our planet and our health.

Improve industrial processes

Improving industrial processes is key to preventing mercury pollution. Mercury pollution is released from mining, coal combustion, power plants, and other industrial sources. It is traded globally for use in various products and processes.

One of the most powerful preventive measures is to replace products and processes that contain or use mercury with ones that do not. This may substantially reduce mercury in households, in the waste stream, and in the environment. Such steps tend to be cost-effective, especially as demand grows, but there are exceptions and possible trade-offs. For example, low-energy fluorescent lamps that contain mercury may have a lower overall environmental impact than ordinary bulbs because less mercury-containing fuel may be burnt to generate the required electricity.

End-of-pipe techniques, such as filtering exhaust gases, are control methods at the point of emission. Reducing reliance on coal burning by conserving electricity is another way to prevent mercury pollution.

It is important to note that once mercury is in the environment, it can be very difficult to clean up. It spreads easily and stays around for a long time. A very small amount of mercury can cause a big problem. For example, just 3 grams of mercury can contaminate a 60-acre lake. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid buying products that contain mercury, except for fluorescent light bulbs, which use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Dispose of household products properly

To prevent mercury pollution, it is important to dispose of household products properly. Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including impaired motor skills and learning disabilities in children.

One way to reduce mercury pollution is to avoid buying products that contain mercury. Many household products, such as thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs, contain mercury. By choosing mercury-free alternatives, you can help reduce the amount of mercury in your home and the environment.

It is also important to dispose of mercury-containing items properly. Mercury-containing products should not be thrown in the trash. Instead, they should be recycled or disposed of using appropriate methods. Many communities have hazardous waste collection programs that accept mercury-containing items. You can contact your local waste management department to find out about proper disposal methods in your area.

In addition to proper disposal, it is important to reduce the use of mercury-containing products. This can be done by conserving electricity and choosing energy-efficient appliances. For example, fluorescent light bulbs that contain mercury use less electricity than incandescent bulbs, reducing the amount of mercury-containing fuel that is burned to generate electricity.

By following these simple steps, you can help reduce mercury pollution and protect the environment and your health. Proper disposal of mercury-containing products is crucial to preventing contamination of our waterways and the spread of toxic mercury worldwide.

Phase out amalgam materials in dentistry

Mercury pollution can be prevented by replacing products and processes that contain or use mercury with ones that do not. One example of this is amalgam materials in dentistry.

Amalgam is a material that is commonly used in dentistry to fill cavities. It is a mixture of mercury and other metals, such as silver, tin, and copper. While amalgam fillings are safe and effective, they can contribute to mercury pollution if they are not disposed of properly.

To phase out amalgam materials in dentistry, it is important to first find alternative materials that can be used for fillings. There are already several alternative materials available, such as composite resin, glass ionomer cement, and porcelain. These materials are just as safe and effective as amalgam, and they do not contain mercury.

Once alternative materials have been identified, it is important to educate dentists and dental students about the benefits of using these materials instead of amalgam. This can be done through continuing education courses, dental school curriculum changes, and professional organization recommendations.

In addition to educating dentists, it is also important to inform patients about the benefits of alternative filling materials. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, patient education materials, and dentist-patient conversations. By informing patients about the environmental impact of amalgam fillings, they may be more likely to choose an alternative material for their fillings.

Finally, it is crucial to ensure that proper disposal methods are in place for amalgam waste. This includes separating amalgam waste from other dental waste and using appropriate containers and disposal methods to prevent mercury from entering the environment. By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce the use of amalgam materials in dentistry and help prevent mercury pollution.

Join international agreements to reduce mercury pollution

One of the most powerful ways to prevent mercury pollution is to replace products and processes that contain or use mercury with ones that do not. This can substantially reduce mercury in households, in the waste stream and in the environment. Such steps tend to be cost-effective, especially as demand grows, but there are exceptions and possible trade-offs. For example, low-energy fluorescent lamps that contain mercury may have a lower overall environmental impact than ordinary bulbs, because less mercury-containing fuel may be burnt to generate the required electricity.

Another way to prevent mercury pollution is to join international agreements, such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a multilateral environmental agreement that addresses specific human activities that are contributing to widespread mercury pollution. The United States joined this agreement in 2013, and its implementation will help reduce global mercury pollution over the coming decades. The Zero Mercury Working Group is also working with governments and the United Nations to aggressively implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty that aims to reduce the trade, use, and emissions of toxic mercury worldwide.

To prevent mercury pollution, it is also important to avoid buying products that contain mercury, except for fluorescent light bulbs, which use less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Keep mercury-containing items out of the trash and use appropriate disposal methods or recycle mercury-containing products.

Reducing reliance on coal burning by conserving electricity whenever possible is another way to prevent mercury pollution. Coal combustion is a major source of mercury pollution, along with mining, power plants, and other industrial sources. Mercury pollution can travel halfway around the world before it enters waterways, tainting fish that may be marketed to consumers across the globe. As a result, toxic mercury now endangers people on every continent.

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