Publication Summary

In an effort to determine the level of public awareness about the presence of mercury in the environment, as well as to understand how consumers dispose of products that contain mercury, the Washington State Department of Ecology′s Environmental Assessment Program asked Gilmore Research Group to conduct a telephone survey of Washington state residents.

The results of the survey indicated that many residents across the state are unaware of products that contain mercury. Many also lack basic knowledge about mercury, which in turn, leads to improper handling and disposal of at least two products that contain the element - household thermostats and fluorescent light bulbs.