Mercury Products Update

The DNR estimates that more than 4000 pounds of mercury are released into the environment from products every year. The vast majority (78%) of mercury used in products domestically is consumed in the production of switches and relays, measuring devices such as thermometers and barometers, and thermostats (a particularly important switch application). Fortunately, there are functionally-equivalent or better non-mercury alternatives for most of these products, as documented by a number of recent studies and European initiatives. Consequently, some states have already passed legislation prohibiting new sales of these mercury products.

Clean Wisconsin is working with members of the Wisconsin legislature to draft and introduce legislation that would phase out the use of mercury in numerous products including thermostats and several switch and relay applications. In each of these products there are safer, cost-effective alternatives that can be used in making the product instead of toxic mercury. We urge you to contact your state Senator and Assembly representative and urge them to support the mercury products phase-out legislation.