EPA's Database on Mercury-Containing Products and Alternatives
Why a Database for Alternatives to Products Containing Mercury?
Many consumer and commercial products contain elemental, metallic mercury. Some products, such as mercury thermometers, can easily break and spill liquid mercury, potentially causing people nearby to be exposed to mercury vapor, which is odorless, colorless and toxic. Depending on the amount of exposure, mercury vapor absorbed through the lungs may result in adverse health effects, including damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system or kidneys. Anyone concerned about their potential exposure to metallic mercury (liquid or vapor) should consult a physician.
Mercury leaks or spills can be prevented through the safe management and recycling of mercury-containing products at the end of their useful lives. However the optimal way of preventing exposure to elemental mercury is to reduce the use of mercury-containing products by using alternatives whenever possible. In most cases, non-mercury alternatives exist for mercury-containing products.
Because EPA encourages individuals, organizations and businesses to use non-mercury alternatives whenever possible, it has created a searchable database that contains publicly-available information on products that contain mercury and non-mercury alternatives.
