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Mercury
Mercury
banned in schools.
As
of September 4, 2004 elemental mercury was banned in school
instructional settings. Other elements of the law take
effect January 1, 2005. Elemental Mercury is a silvery metal that is liquid at room
temperature. It is also quite toxic. When spilled,
it is also difficult and potentially very expensive to clean
up. Places it is
commonly used in schools are in Science Laboratories (Density
experiments, Thermometers, Barometers, etc), Nurses Offices
(Sphygmomanometers, or blood pressure meters), Maintenance
(Electrical Switches, Thermostats). and motor vehicle
repair (electrical switches). The ban does not apply to
things that may have trace mercury like fluorescent lights or
batteries. It also does not apply to items with mercury
in them that the school may currently have, like thermometers
and barometers, but fever thermometers will only be available
by prescription after January 1, 2005. The ban is specifically on the purchase and
use of elemental mercury in the instructional settings.
Although mercury added products already in the classroom may be used
(e.g. thermometers or sphygmomanometers), although you may want to
consider the possibilities of a spill from such a
device. Schools should begin collecting
mercury and remove it from the classroom. The
school may also want to prepare to dispose
of the elemental mercury. Do not purchase more elemental
mercury! If you need assistance contact the BOCES
Safety Specialist that works with your school.
What
do I do if I spill mercury?
Link
to Mercury Ban Legislation
Link
to Governor Pataki's Press Release:
How
do I get rid of Mercury?
State
Education Department Question and Answers about Mercury
Excellent
Resource for Schools From NYS Dept. of Health
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