LANSING – Macomb County lawmakers today voted in favor of a plan to better protect Michigan's families and the Great Lakes by phasing out the use of mercury in several products sold in Michigan, and improve recycling practices and disposal of the toxic substance.
"Mercury is a dangerous and powerful toxin that can impact the health of our residents, harm wildlife and put our natural resources in jeopardy," said State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond). "When products containing mercury are improperly disposed of, mercury is released into our land, air and water and even the food we eat. We must do all we can to ensure that our families and our natural resources are safe from mercury's harmful effects."
The most common causes of mercury pollution often come from batteries and other consumer products that are disposed of in landfills and incinerators, melting steel scraps, burning coal and as a byproduct in the production of certain chemicals. Michigan has taken action in recent years to phase out the use of mercury in products like thermometers and thermostats. This five-part plan takes additional steps to further restrict its use.
The plan will:
- Prohibit the use of mercury in products, such as batteries, watches and novelty items.
- Stop the disposal of products containing mercury in landfills and incinerators.
- Require products containing mercury that are sold in Michigan to include a warning to notify consumers of its contents.
- Require any product containing elemental mercury for medical, dental, research or manufacturing purposes to come with a warning label identifying the dangers associated with handling mercury.
- Phase out the sale of certain mercury measuring devices.
"Michigan consumers have the right to know if a product they purchase contains mercury," said State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores). "Parts of this package require products containing mercury to include a warning that notifies consumers of its contents. Consumers deserve to be warned about the danger of a product's contents and how best to dispose of it."
Once mercury is released into the atmosphere, it can collect in bodies of water and then bioaccumulate in fish. There is a broad fish advisory in Michigan for all inland lakes that encourages residents, especially women of child-bearing age and children, to limit their consumption of certain fish. Numerous studies have shown an increased risk for fetuses exposed to mercury through maternal fish consumption.
"Reducing mercury levels is especially critical in Michigan because it contaminates freshwater fish," said State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens). "Mercury not only can endanger the health of consumers who eat the contaminated fish, but it also can have a negative effect on tourism – Michigan's third largest industry. Especially during these tough economic times, we need to ensure that Michigan continue to attract the tourists who are so vital to our economy."
The plan is part of the lawmaker's continuing commitment to protect Michigan families from toxic substances. Earlier this week, a package of bills was introduced that will require manufacturers of children's toys and products to report what chemicals they use in the production of toys sold in Michigan.
"Studies show that Mercury is the most pervasive pollutant in the Great Lakes region," said State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren). "We can no longer afford to ignore its hazardous effects. Passing this plan will reduce the amount of mercury found in our natural resources and protect the health of Michigan families."