Despite practical, inexpensive alternatives and industry commitments to phase out its use, mercury continues to be widely used in new automobiles. Mercury is highly toxic to humans and wildlife and is released when automobiles are scrapped. The organizations called on US automakers to immediately eliminate the use of mercury in autos. The study estimates that EAFs emit 15.6 metric tons of mercury each year, which is more than all manufacturing sources combined.
Automobiles are likely the single largest source of mercury-contaminated scrap.
The report also finds that mercury is released by the manufacturers of automotive switches. Approximately 175 to 200 metric tons of mercury are in vehicles on the road today, primarily in mercury switches in hood and trunk lighting and anti-lock braking systems. One auto mercury switch contains nearly one gram of mercury, equivalent to the amount of mercury found in household fever thermometers, which are now being banned by many city and state governments due to increasing concern about the health risks resulting from the disposal of mercury containing products. While U.S. manufacturers continue to use mercury switches, international automakers such as Toyota, Volvo and BMW have completely eliminated mercury switch applications since 1993. The findings of both reports support an action plan developed by the national Clean Car Campaign for eliminating mercury hazards caused by automobiles.