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