Just one gram of mercury–the amount in just one or two thermometers– can contaminate a 20-acre lake and make the fish unsafe to eat. Mercury is toxic, stays in the environment for decades and increases in concentration as it moves up the food chain. Even in small quantities, mercury can cause significant health and ecological problems.

In household products (like thermometers and some light bulbs), it does not pose a risk unless the product is broken. When liquid mercury is spilled, it becomes an invisible, odorless toxic vapor. If inhaled, the vapors can produce severe lung, gastrointestinal and nervous system damage. When released in the air, mercury ultimately ends up in the water and accumulates in fish and other living things.

For your family's health and the health of the environment, take these steps for a mercury-free home.

1) Trade in your mercury fever thermometers for safer, digital models. Note: do not throw mercury thermometers away in your curbside trash, as they'll contaminate ground water, bring them to a local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site.

2) Dispose of your used florescent light bulbs at local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site.  They contain small amounts of mercury and should be kept out of the standard waste stream.

3) If your vehicle has a mercury switch, have it replaced at a participating repair shop for free. To find out if your vehicle has a mercury switch and for more information about the "Switch Out" program, go to the Oregon Environmental Council website at www.oeconline.org/kidshealth/mercury

4) Don't use paint that was purchased before 1991. Many water-based paints used mercury as a preservative. Bring it to a local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site.

5) Most mercury is consumed through fish. (Young children and pregnant women are most vulnerable.) Prior to eating fish, check the consumption guidelines on Oregon's website oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/fishconsumption.shtml. If you plan to go fishing, you can also use that site to check the mercury levels in Oregon's waterbodies and be informed about any alerts prior to your outing.


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