Schools, businesses, organizations and households can reduce the risk of mercury exposure and possible health concerns by identifying and properly disposing of possibly sources, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Jefferson City, Mo. - infoZine - An increase in mercury incidents thus far in 2006 has the department warning of the health effects of improper storage or handling of the element.

Elemental mercury is used in many items such as thermometers, barometers, switches, thermostats, fluorescent lamps, bulk elemental mercury and laboratory reagents in school science labs. Dangerous and costly mercury spills occur from improperly storing and mishandling these items. The department is encouraging all Missourians to prevent spills by discontinuing the use of elemental mercury compounds and mercury-containing equipment. Businesses, schools and homes should consider removing these materials and disposing of them in accordance with state and federal regulations. Most items that contain mercury can be replaced with mercury-free (or lower-mercury) alternatives such as: alcohol or other spirit filled or digital thermometers, electronic thermostats and switches; aneroid blood pressure devices; and digital barometers and other gauges.

The amount of mercury contained in a fever thermometer or school science lab thermometer is small and does not present an immediate threat to human health. However, if broken and not properly cleaned up and disposed of, it may present a health risk over time. Risks particularly affect children less than 12 years old, pregnant women, women who plan to become pregnant and nursing mothers.

Short-term exposure to high levels of mercury vapors may cause serious health effects including lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes and eye irritation. Symptoms from chronic or long-term exposure can develop in just a few weeks. Tremors, decreased eye-hand coordination, memory problems, insomnia and irritability can develop quickly. If these symptoms are not correctly identified and exposure is not prevented, then permanent nervous system damage can occur. For more information on health risks, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at (573) 751-6102.

Metallic mercury is liquid at room temperature and has no odor. When spilled, some of the metal will evaporate into the air and can be carried long distances. Mercury is toxic when inhaled. Improper clean up with a vacuum, paintbrush or household cleaner increases exposure by dispersing the mercury into the air.

The department encourages citizens to use household hazardous waste facilities as the first option to properly disposal of unwanted devices that contain mercury. For a listing of permanent household hazardous waste facilities in Missouri, visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/permanent-hazwaste-collection-facs.htm. It is legal, however, for households to dispose of those devices in their trash destined for a sanitary landfill. Double-bagging is recommended to help limit human exposure during handling. Such items include thermometers, thermostats, barometers, manometers, and mercury-containing lamps.

Businesses are required to manage wastes noted above, as universal or hazardous waste and sanitary landfill disposal is not an option. Mercury containing laboratory chemicals and jars of elemental mercury cannot be classified as universal waste and must be managed as hazardous waste. For more information about hazardous waste, universal waste, disposal options, Mercury Risks -- What Missouri Schools Can Do technical bulletin and Mercury Audit Checklist, visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pubs.htm#HazardousWaste.

The Thermostat Recycling Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation that facilitates the HVAC wholesalers' collection of all brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats from contractors. The mercury is then purified for re-use. For a list of contractors in Missouri visit www.nema.org/gov/ehs/trc.

Call the department's Environmental Emergency Response 24-hour hotline at (573) 634-2436 for technical assistance with any mercury cleanup or disposal questions.