The Environmental Effects of Mercury

Due to its unique properties, mercury is a useful, versatile component of many modern tools.  This substance is found often in its liquid elemental state, in devices such as barometers, manometers, thermometers, and thermostats.  Despite the numerous common uses of mercury, however, it is one of the most harmful of the heavy metals.

When these mercury-containing appliances are disposed of, they are often incinerated or dumped into landfills.  The presence of mercury in landfills pollutes the nearby ground water, and incineration introduces mercury vapors into the atmosphere.  These mercury vapors circulate for long periods of time in the atmosphere, diffusing over a wide-spread area.  From there, the vapors settle in the environment, typically in the aquatic ecosystem.  The mercury accumulates in contaminated plants and animals faster than it can be naturally reduced.  As animals farther up the food chain consume contaminated prey, the concentrations of mercury increase significantly, in a process known as mercury biomagnification.
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MailYourSharps: Packing Instructions 2 Gallon Amalgam Mail Back Kit

 

Kit includes:

1. (1) 2 gallon white container and lid with a gasket.

2. (1) 3 mil poly plastic bag.

3. (1) Red zip tie for the bag, located on the lid.

4. (1) Brown return shipping box. SAVE THIS BOX FOR RETURN SHIPPING.

5. (1) Strip of release tape to secure the container lid.

6. “Acceptable/Non Acceptable Material List” for the products that these kits can handle.

7. Certificate of Sterilization.

8. FedEx Ground Package Return Program (PRP) – yellow instructions.

 

Instructions:

1. Place amalgam or amalgam containing component in the white container.

2. Replace lid provided securely on the container.

3. After securing lid, place tape from the lid to the side of the container.

4. Place container in clear plastic bag provided and secure with the red zip tie provided.

5. Place bagged container in brown corrugated box provided.

6. Seal the top of the box with packing tape.

7. Fill out the FedEx “PRP” return label. This information is Mandatory. You will receive a Certificate of Recycling (upon request) from the information on the label.

8. Call the 800 number on the box and FedEx will pick up the next business day.

9. Fill out and sign Certification of Sterilization. If you have any questions about the instructions, please contact your supplier. DO NOT PUT MORE THAN 1-POUND OF MERCURY IN THIS CONTAINER!

Rev. 5-15-03
 

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