CONTACT US HOME ABOUT US DISTRICT NEWS SERVICES BUSINESSES RESIDENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROJECTS & INNOVATIONS RESIDENTS SEWER SERVICES CHARGES HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE BATTERIES ELECTRONIC WASTE MERCURY PHARMACEUTICALS REUSE ROOM SHARPS PAINT SPECIAL EVENTS MARINE FLARES RECYCLED WATER STREET SWEEPING & STORMWATER SEWER PERMITS FOG - FATS, OIL & GREASE FLUSHABLE WIPES Mercury What is Mercury? Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be found throughout the environment. Human activities – such as burning fossil fuels and hazardous waste, and the improper disposal of mercury containing products – have greatly increased the amount of mercury contamination in the environment. Where is Mercury Found Around the House? Mercury can be liquid or gaseous. In both forms, it’s just as dangerous. You can find mercury in… Fluorescent light bulbs Glass thermometers Some older light switches Older household thermostats Some metallic jewelry Children’s shoes (with flickering lights) Some toys with flashing lights Clothing irons Some clock pendulums Older oil-based paints Button batteries (watch-type batteries) Fluorescent and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps are excellent energy-efficient choices because they can use up to 50 percent less electricity. However, used fluorescent and HID lamps must be disposed of properly because they contain mercury. The Dangers of Mercury Mercury is a highly toxic metal that is harmful to both humans and wildlife. Exposure to even small amounts of mercury, over a long period of time, may cause negative health effects including damage to the brain, kidneys, and lungs. Unborn and young children are especially susceptible to mercury exposure because their nervous systems are still developing. Whether it is absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested, exposure to mercury should be taken very seriously. Brief contact with high levels of mercury may cause immediate health effects: Nausea Abdominal cramps Diarrhea Eye irritation Loss of appetite Fatigue Insomnia Weight loss Skin rashes Muscle tremors Proper Storage and Disposal Proper storage and disposal of mercury-containing products will greatly reduce the risk of exposure in your home. Store products containing mercury in a safe place to prevent breakage. Carefully handle and dispose of those products by taking them to the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility for free and proper disposal. If There’s a Spill All mercury spills, regardless of size, should be cleaned up immediately and carefully. If the amount spilled is more than two table-spoons, contact the National Response Center at 1.800.424.8802. If a spill is less than two tablespoons: Do …keep all pets and children away from the immediate area Do …wear rubber or latex gloves when cleaning up a spill Do …use cardboard, a squeegee, or an eyedropper to gather and draw up mercury Do …properly ventilate the spill area (turn off heaters, and turn up the AC) Do …put clean-up materials in a sealable container Don’t …use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to clean up mercury Don’t …pour mercury down the drain Don’t …wash mercury-contaminated items in the washing machine Don’t …walk around – your shoes could be covered with mercury. Bring mercury-contaminated items to the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. Did You Know? Mercury is a naturally occurring liquid metal In its gaseous state, mercury is colorless and odorless A broken thermometer is the most common exposure to liquid mercury Mercury salts are used in some skin-lightening creams, antiseptic creams, and ointments Mercury is a toxic substance that is very harmful to humans 41 states, including California, have issued fish-consumption advisories due to mercury contamination Larger fish have higher concentrations of mercury than small fish English Mercury Brochure Spanish Mercury Brochure Search: Go! COPYRIGHT © 2021 DELTA DIABLO 2500 PITTSBURG-ANTIOCH HWY, ANTIOCH CA 94509 TELEPHONE (925) 756-1900 PRIVACY POLICY POWERED BY STREAMLINE | SIGN IN