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Hazardous materials are color coded as well as having a visual reference. In addition, each color is labeled 0-4 to indicate the increased level of harm it can cause, with the higher number each reaching a higher risk level.
Click here to find out more about Environmental Health & Safety coding. Information provided by the University of Florida in Gainesville. (Photos provided by Sidney Herald)E-waste: Disposal of Electrical Appliances
You can also contact Richland County LEPC for more information if you'd like to volunteer on this committee. (Photo provided by USDA ARS NPARL, sponsor of "E-rase Your E-waste")back to topProducts containing mercuryClick here for links about potential mercury hazards. Mercury is used in a wide variety of household products. These items release mercury into the environment and home when broken, mishandled or disposed of. Proper care is important when dealing with mercury-containing products. If spilled, mercury absorbs into many household materials while slowly evaporating into the air over time, allowing for exposure. Knowing what products and items contain mercury and handling them properly will limit the risk of mercury exposure. Common products often have a simple and environmentally friendly alternative. Some examples are listed below: Thermometers—Mercury is used in thermometers because it expands and contracts evenly with temperature changes. Alternatives include the electronic (digital) or red alcohol thermometers. Household switches and thermostats—Mercury conducts electricity and is used in many household and appliance switches, including switches found inside appliances. Examples of appliances that have mercury switches are thermostats, clothing irons and top-loading freezers and washing machines. Mechanical and electronic switches are available in mercury-free versions. Household bulbs—Fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID) and neon lamps contain mercury, often in vaporform. Mercury is released when bulbs are broken or incinerated. HID bulbs are often used in settings that require high amounts of light, such as gymnasiums and shopping centers. Fluorescent lamps are good energy savers, using up to 50 percent less electricity than incandescent lights. This energy savings reduces mercury emissions from power plants. Alternatives are labeled as low-mercury lamps and often can be recognized by their green endcaps or green lettering. Do not confuse low-mercury lamps with energy-efficient lamps; low-mercury lamps use about the same amount of energy as normal flourescent bulbs. Batteries—Before 1980, most batteries used in homes contained mercury. Current mercury batteries are "button" shaped and are used in hearing aids, watches and other items requiring a small battery. In the last decade, the United States battery industry achieved a 99 percent reduction in mercury by using alternative materials. Silver oxide, zinc-air, and alkaline batteries are the best alternatives for replacing batteries produced before 1994. Paints—Latex paint produced before 1992 had large amounts of mercury to prevent fungus growth. Mercury vapors were released when paint was applied. Use latex paint manufactured after 1992. Old chemistry sets and toys—Children's chemistry sets were once sold with liquid mercury. Some toys contain a drop of mercury that is moved through a maze, called a mercury maze. Check chemistry sets and toys to be sure they are mercury-free. Athletic shoes—Some athletic shoes with flashing lights in the soles contain mercury. Pesticides— Fungicides and biocides produced before 1994 used mercury toxins to kill fungus, weeds and other pests. Most new pesticides are mercury-free. Clothing irons—Some irons have an automatic shut-off switch containing mercury. Irons with mercury-free automatic shut-off switches are available. Medical products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers a list of drug and biologic products containing mercury. Blood pressure gauges—Home blood pressure gauges contain almost 1.5 pounds of mercury. An aneroid blood-pressure unit is a mercury-free option. Microwave Ovens—Mercury vapor bulbs were used in older microwave ovens. However, new models do not contain mercury. Barometers— A barometer is an instrument used to measure pressure in the atmosphere; most of the older devices contain liquid mercury. A Bourdon tube gauge is an alternative to mercury-containing barometers. Information on this page was provided by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.state.oh.us Below are several links for more information on Mercury.
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Many solids, gasses and liquids used in the production of fuels, medicines, plastics, and other products and processes in our community are classified as hazardous. Hazardous materials are used, stored and transported daily throughout the country.
It is important to consider what hazardous materials surround you and to dispose of them safely. Proper disposal keeps you and your family, neighbors and the environment from soil and water contamination that may occur from dumping in landfills. Please see USDA-ARS-Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab's page on "