Mercury is a heavy metal that can accumulate in living tissue and cause adverse health effects. When a mercury-containing device is disposed of in a solid waste landfill or incinerator, the mercury can contaminate air, soil, surface water and groundwater. Because mercury has been detected in New Hampshire’s freshwater fish, a statewide fish consumption advisory has been issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. A number of devices contain mercury and may pose a hazard to human health or the environment when improperly managed or disposed of. Examples of mercury-containing devices include:
- Thermostats
- Button cell batteries
- Quick silver maze toy
- "Pre-1990" latex paint
- "Light up" shoes
- Fluorescent lamps
- Pacemaker batteries
- Switches
- Hearing Aide batteries
- Thermometers
- Contact lens solution
- Oven flames sensor
- Staining solutions
- Fixing solutions
- Manometer
- Nasal Spray
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