Are you aware of the dangers of mercury exposure?

Boise teams up with local agencies to raise awareness about the dangers of mercury exposure and how to safely dispose of mercury-containing products.

In the past three weeks, there have been four mercury spill incidents in the Treasure Valley. Two of the incidents have occurred in area schools, one occurred in a private home, and a fourth incident occurred on a public street. For more information on these incidences, read the Central District Health Department press release.

While none of these incidents has resulted in any long-term problems for people or the environment, they do serve as a reminder that mercury exposure can pose dangers. Boise City, along with the Central District Health Department, Ada County, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are teaming up to raise awareness about the health risks of mercury contamination.  Mercury should be handled with care and properly disposed of. 

Many products used in homes and businesses contain mercury. Typical sources are thermometers, older thermostats, batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, and barometers.   Residents can safely dispose of these items at any of the Boise City, Meridian, Eagle Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection sites, or at Ada County’s HHW facility at the Hidden Hollow Landfill.

For information on Boise City's efforts in reducing mercury in the environment, contact Vince Trimboli, Community Relations Supervisor. For information on safe disposal of mercury-containing products and other household hazardous waste, visit the Boise Public Works Department's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program page.