The Ohio Mercury Reduction Group is stepping up efforts to dispose of mercury and educate people about the health issues it poses to Ohio residents.
The group includes representatives from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission and Bowling Green State University.
“The group was spearheaded by the U.S. EPA. We are working to put comprehensive information in the hands of emergency responders,” said Linda Oros, spokeswoman for the Ohio EPA.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element most have seen in its liquid metal form. Also known as quicksilver, mercury is typically found in the form of an ore containing mercuric sulfide. The mercury is vaporized from the ore by heating it at a high temperature, and the vapors are captured and cooled.
The metal has a high toxicity to humans and can cause damage the nervous system. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include nervousness, numbness, dizziness and mental instability.
“It is a bioaccumulative, so over time it will build up in someone’s system,” Oros said.
Mercury can also be found in household items and automotive parts. Thermometers, thermostats, propellants and electronics are common items that contain mercury.
The OMRG, created in May 2000, has a goal to help reduce the presence of mercury in the state of Ohio. Organizations involved have created five programs to reduce mercury use and exposure. They have distributed comprehensive fact sheets and guidelines to businesses, such as auto salvage yards, where mercury is a common issue.
Kristopher Weiss, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Health, said the departments assist state and county agencies in handling mercury spills and contamination.
“Our role is to help with cleanup and to advise on cleanup,” he said.
Mike Dalton is the emergency response on-scene coordinator for Division of Hazardous Waste Materials, a part of the Ohio EPA. He assists state and county agencies in cleanup, collection and disposal.
Jurisdiction on mercury cleanup depends on setting and circumstance, he said. In a private business or residence, Dalton usually works with OSHA or the homeowners to advise in proper disposal. When mercury spills outdoors, however, it becomes the jurisdiction of the DHWM.
“In that situation there is not too much change in the health issue, but it is an environmental issue at that point,” he said. “There is not anybody who has specific authority over mercury.”
Many states regulate the sale of thermometers, he said. Mercury spilled down sinks can reach sewage systems and leak into soil that would have otherwise been used for agricultural purposes. Some agencies are giving out digital thermometers to replace the mercury ones they collect.
Bowling Green has a mercury collection program at its Environmental Health and Safety Office. The university has utilized its hazardous waste storage facility to properly dispose of mercury-containing devices.
“They are a clearinghouse for thermometers and will go out and collect if needed. They are very proactive in their collecting,” Oros said.
