The concept is popular in Europe, and has spread to Asia and Latin America. CRTs are commonly found in computer monitors and contain an average of 5-8 pounds of lead per unit. It is hoped that the Massachusetts ruling and others like it will prompt computer companies to find alternatives to the heavy metals currently used in computer manufacturing. Advocates of the bill say the surcharge is needed to develop recycling markets and a recovery infrastructure for old electronics. Cities Ban Mercury Thermometers Cities and states across the country are taking action to keep mercury out of the environment by banning the sale of mercury thermometers and other consumer products that contain mercury.
Digital thermometers offer an environmentally-preferable alternative to mercury thermometers.
Areas that are developing or have proposed legislation aimed at Producer Responsibility for safe thermometers include the state of New Hampshire, Dane County, WI, Los Angeles, Duluth, MN, and San Francisco. Banning mercury in thermometers keeps a dangerous and highly toxic material from leaching into groundwater, and sends manufacturers the message that they need to produce a less toxic product. Mercury is a neurotoxin, which means it can affect how a person walks, talks, sees or thinks, according to a coalition of organizations called Health Care Without Harm, which advocates for eliminating pollution from medical practices. The group says thermometers are the leading cause of mercury in the solid waste stream. Greener Packaging Denmark is proposing a tax break for companies that use environmentally-friendly, recyclable packaging such as paper and glass.