Mercury

Mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The most common household products containing mercury are fluorescent bulbs.

Most thermostats, other than electronic thermostats, contain mercury. To determine if a thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate. Mercury-containing thermostats contain one or more small mercury switches.

PCBs are contained in the black rectangular ballasts of fluorescent light fixtures manufactured before 1978. Assume a ballast contains PCBs unless it was made after 1978 or if it has a clear label stating no PCBs.

Metallic mercury vapors are harmful if inhaled and pollute the air and water when incinerated or disposed of improperly in landfills. Children and pregnant women are at most risk. PCBs, an oily substance, are harmful if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. They are also a suspected human carcinogen.

What to do if you break an item that contains mercury:

Concerned about a mercury exposure? Contact Oregon Poison Control Center. For mercury-containing fish advisories, contact Oregon Health Division.

What to do if you have a PCB leak or break an item that contains PCB

Ballasts sometimes develop leaks; liquid dripping from an overhead fluorescent fixture is probably from the ballast and may be PCB.

Fluorescent light bulbs – both CFLs and long-tube bulbs – are hazardous waste and should not be tossed in the trash. Some hardware stores will take back your burned-out bulbs.

Best: Take to a hazardous waste facility or to a collection event.

If you are having a new thermostat installed by a professional, ask them to recycle the thermostat.