LANSING – State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) today voted in favor of a plan to better protect Michigan's families and waterways by phasing out the use of mercury in several products sold in Michigan, and improve recycling practices and disposal of the toxic substance.
"Mercury is a dangerous chemical that threatens the well-being of Michigan residents and has a negative effect on our land, air and water," Gonzales said. "Our Great Lakes and other waterways are not only an essential part of our quality of life here in Michigan, but they are also a driving economic force for our state, providing for thousands of jobs in the agriculture, tourism and manufacturing industries. Reducing the amount of mercury in products and properly disposing of such a dangerous substance will help protect the health of our residents and our three largest industries."
The most common causes of mercury pollution often come from batteries and other consumer products that are disposed of in landfills and incinerators, melting steel scraps, burning coal and as a byproduct in the production of certain chemicals. Michigan has taken action in recent years to phase out the use of mercury in products like thermometers and thermostats. This five-part plan takes additional steps to further restrict its use by:
- Prohibiting the use of mercury in products, such as batteries, watches and novelty items.
- Stopping the disposal of products containing mercury in landfills and incinerators.
- Requiring products containing mercury that are sold in Michigan to include a warning to notify consumers of its contents.
- Requiring any product containing elemental mercury for medical, dental, research or manufacturing purposes to come with a warning label identifying the dangers associated with handling mercury.
- Phasing out the sale of certain mercury measuring devices.
Once mercury is released into the atmosphere, it can collect in bodies of water and then bioaccumulate in fish. There is a broad fish advisory in Michigan for all inland lakes that encourages residents, especially women of child-bearing age and children, to limit their consumption of certain fish. Numerous studies have shown an increased risk for fetuses exposed to mercury through maternal fish consumption.
Groups supporting the plan include the Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Environmental Council, Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters and Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health.