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Department of Ecology News Release - September 10, 2002
02-167
OLYMPIA - Public comment is now being accepted on a state plan for reducing the use and release of mercury in Washington state.
The departments of Ecology and Health developed the Mercury Chemical Action Plan, which lists known sources and uses of mercury in Washington. The agencies are now taking public comment on the plan, which identifies long-term and short-term strategies for reducing mercury sources and exposure.
"People would be surprised to learn how many consumer products contain mercury," said Bill Backous of the Department of Ecology (Ecology). "Through this action plan, we hope to increase awareness of these potential sources of mercury so people can either avoid them or learn to handle and dispose of them safely."
Mercury is highly toxic and can cause neurological problems in humans and animals. People may be exposed to mercury by eating contaminated fish from certain water bodies or by inhaling the gaseous form of the element. Mercury also may be absorbed through the skin if children or adults play with the silvery liquid mercury found in a broken thermometer or thermostat.
Other states have launched efforts to reduce the use and release of mercury, and Washington's action plan builds on those efforts.
"We know a lot about the health problems that mercury can cause. Health effects are most severe for the developing fetus and young child," said Jude VanBuren of the Department of Health. "Our public-health advisories warn about mercury in certain kinds of fish. To keep mercury out of our food chain, it is important to reduce the amount of mercury released into the environment."
The action plan for mercury, produced at the direction of the state legislature, is the first plan to be developed as part of Ecology's "persistent, bioaccumulative toxins" (PBT) strategy. The department eventually intends to develop action plans for additional PBTs, which are toxic substances that are known to build up in humans and animals.
The entire PBT strategy and the draft mercury action plan can be found on the Internet at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/pbt/pbtfaq.html.
The 60-day public-comment period on the draft Mercury Chemical Action Plan ends on Nov. 8. Written comments may be submitted to Mike Gallagher at mgal461@ecy.wa.gov or Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, Wash., 98501-7600.
Ecology and Health also will hold two public forums on the draft plan. Both last from 5:30 to 9 p.m.:
Media contacts: Mike Gallagher, Department of Ecology, 360-407-6868
Joanne Prado, Department of Health, 360-236-3172
Sheryl Hutchison, Ecology Communications Director, 360-407-7004
Deanna Whitman, DOH communications, 360-236-4022
Department of Health Fish Facts Web site: www.doh.wa.gov/fish
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
