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Mercury – Handling the Impact

Although mercury is used in very limited circumstances on today’s vehicles, it is still possible for technicians to come into contact with it. More important, when certain parts are scrapped, if not handled and disposed of correctly, it is possible for mercury containing components to end up in landfills. Therefore, it is critically important that Auto Service Technicians understand the types of automotive components that may contain mercury.

What’s the Risk?

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin; a poison that harms nerve tissue. Long-term exposure to mercury can cause speech, hearing and visual problems, sensory loss, tremors, loss of muscular coordination, and an increased risk of heart attack.

Mercury is particularly harmful to developing fetuses. That’s why women of childbearing years – of which there are a growing number among automotive technicians – need to be particularly careful about exposure to mercury.

Mercury in Vehicles

Mercury is a heavy metal with terrific electrical conducting properties, which makes it a useful component in electrical switches, thermometers, lighting and other electrical equipment. Some of the components in today’s vehicles that may contain mercury include:

  • ABS Switches
  • Video Display Units
  • HID Headlamps
  • Convenience Lighting Switches
  • Back Lit Instruments (CCFT)
  • Trip Computer Displays

A partial list of potential mercury containing products in specific automobiles can be found on the web site of “CCAR-GreenLink,” the National Environmental Compliance Assistance Center for Auto Repair. The URL is http://www.ccar-greenlink.org/links/mercury.htm

Generally, modern auto parts containing mercury do not pose a health risk unless dismantled or crushed. Technicians and parts handlers should be aware of and take active precaution when handling anything with mercury. Technicians should never allow mercury to touch bare skin, and they should be careful when handling automobile parts that may contain mercury. When loose in the environment, or when it comes in contact with the skin or lungs, mercury can cause serious health problems.

Handling the Impact: the Consumer

To help pass along vital information on mercury in automobiles to consumers (who may be anyone from Do-It-Yourselfers to repair shops and auto recyclers), eight Northeast states have formed an umbrella organization called the Interstate Mercury Education and Reduction Clearinghouse (IMERC). The intent of IMERC is to assist the participating states in their implementation of mercury reduction laws and programs aimed at getting mercury out of consumer products, the waste stream, and the environment.

The areas of focus for IMERC are:

  • Notification - Requires manufacturers, distributors, and importers to provide written notification about mercury-added products that will be offered for sale in the state.
  • Phase-out and exemptions - Institutes a gradual phase-out of mercury-added products with a process for applying for exemptions.
  • Labeling - Requires certain mercury-added products and their packaging to have a label that indicates the presence of mercury and states that the products should be disposed of or managed properly.
  • Collection Plans - Requires manufacturers to submit plans for approval by the state regarding collection systems that they will finance for the mercury-added products they sell in the state.
  • Disposal Ban - Requires the recycling or hazardous waste disposal of certain mercury-added products.
  • Limitations - Limits the sale of elemental mercury to medical and industrial uses.

IMERC will also coordinate regional mercury reduction efforts and assist state environmental agencies. Assistance includes developing and implementing specific legislation and programs for notification, labeling, collection, and eventual phase-out of products that contain mercury. Visit the IMERC web site at http://www.newmoa.org/Newmoa/htdocs/prevention/mercury/imerc.cfm.

Handling the Impact: Spills

In automotive repair shops, mercury spills are usually small and easy to manage. The amount of mercury from an automotive switch or a typical broken thermometer is considered to be a “small spill.” [Illinois Dept. of Public Health, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources, EPA.gov]

Small spills are neither difficult nor expensive to handle and there is a set procedure to follow (For larger spills, you are required by law to notify your local environmental office). Here are some quick steps to take to handle a small mercury spill:

  • Always use rubber or nitrile gloves to avoid contact with skin.
  • Keep the spill area ventilated.
  • Never pick-up spilled mercury with a vacuum.
  • “Push” the mercury beads together with a card, stiff paper, or squeegee to form larger droplets, and then push them into a plastic dustpan.
  • Use a flashlight to look all around in the areas of the spill. The light will reflect off the shiny mercury beads and make it easier to see them.
  • Sprinkle sulfur powder on the spill area after cleaning up beads of mercury.
  • Collect all mercury and mercury-contaminated items into a leak-tight plastic bag or wide-mouthed sealable plastic container.
  • Work over a tray or box that is lined or covered with plastic wrap when pouring mercury.
  • Save the bag or container to take to a mercury-recycling center.

Most local battery recyclers can handle mercury, or they can help identify a company to assist you. As with all hazardous materials, be sure to check with local and state guidelines for proper handling and disposal.

Components containing mercury must be recycled and cannot go to a landfill. Remember that the recycler that you work with needs to be licensed to handle mercury.

For more in depth mercury spill handling procedures, go to the “CCAR-GreenLink,” website at http://www.ccar-greenlink.org/mercury/smallspill.html.

Handling the Impact: Waste Storage

Waste items containing mercury need to be stored in a dedicated recycle bin or pail made of plastic. The container must have a clear label stating "SPENT MERCURY CONTAINING DEVICES” and it must have a tight lid. [Florida Department of Environmental Protection, ECAR, EPA.gov, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality]

Federal EPA regulations allow items to be stored for a maximum of one year, but state regulations may be shorter. It is always good to check with your state environmental agency for the correct time frame. After a year has passed, or the container becomes full, contact your hazardous waste disposal company for pick-up.

You should also keep all records for hazardous materials and waste (receipts, invoices, manifests, recycling receipts, etc.) in one file for easy access. These documents must be retained for a minimum of three (3) years according to federal regulations.

To learn more about mercury and what's being done to protect your health, check out the latest information from government institutions at “CCAR-GreenLink’s”, Links - Relevant Web Sites page at http://www.ccar-greenlink.org/links/.