Inconspicuous Household Hazards: Mercury Thermostats and CFL Bulbs

Monday May 12, 2008

Governor Culver Signs Legislation To Preserve Environment

Governor signs two bills brought forward by West Branch Middle School Students

(Des Moines) – Today, Governor Chet Culver signed two bills into law brought forward by West Branch Middle School Science teacher Hector Ibarra and his students who were looking at ways to take hazardous materials out of landfills and the environment. House File 2668 focuses on recycling used oil filters and House File 2669 addresses recycling mercury thermostats.

Governor Culver said, “The students of West Branch Middle School are a great example of how conservation and environmental protection are truly a citizen’s effort. With my signature of House File 2668 and House File 2669, we’ll help keep our water clean by changing the law related to the disposal of oil filters and mercury thermometers.”

The Governor added, “As a former teacher and coach, I believe passionate teachers make all the difference to students. So, congratulations to Mr. Ibarra for your efforts, not only for our environment, but for what you’re teaching your students. You are showing them more than science – you’re showing them the power of the individual citizen to change the law, and to take an active role in our government.”

Mercury is a poisonous heavy metal and is contained in some of the 
products we use everyday. It can be found in your home, in health 
care facilities, and in schools.Mercury exposure at high levels can 
harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of 
all ages. It has been demonstrated that high levels of methyl mercury 
in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the 
developing nervous system, making the child less able to think and 
learn. Where is mercury found? Sources of mercury in the home include 
fluorescent light bulbs (both tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lamps CFLs),
mercury thermometers, and mercury thermostats.

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