LANSING – In a move to better protect Michigan's families and the Great Lakes, House Democrats today passed a plan that will phase 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, bioaccumulative toxin that can seriously impact the health of Michigan residents, wildlife and natural resources.
"We need to do all we can to protect our families and the Great Lakes from hazardous substances like mercury," said Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township), a sponsor of the plan. "When products containing mercury are disposed of in landfills and incinerators, those harmful toxins make their way into our water, wildlife and even the food we eat. Today's action will help ensure that our land, air and water are free of this toxic substance, and that our residents are safe from mercury's harmful effects."
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.
The House Democrats' plan will:
- Prohibit the use of mercury in products, such as batteries, watches and novelty items.
- Stop the disposal of products containing mercury in landfills and incinerators.
- Require products containing mercury that are sold in Michigan to include a warning to notify consumers of its contents.
- Require 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.
- Phase out the sale of certain mercury measuring devices.
"If there are safer alternatives to mercury, we need to be using them – it's common sense," said State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe), who sponsored two bills in the package. "Our residents need to know if a product they purchase contains mercury, and they need to be informed on how to properly handle and dispose of such a dangerous substance."
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.
"Mercury is harming our land, air and water, and we need to act now to combat this toxic substance," said State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores), a sponsor of the plan. "Our Great Lakes and other natural resources are what make Michigan unique and an envy of other states. The health of our residents and our state must continue to be our first priority."
The plan is part of House Democrats' continuing commitment to protect Michigan families from toxic substances. Earlier this week, House Democrats introduced a package of bills that will require manufacturers of children's toys and products to report what chemicals they use in the production of toys sold in Michigan.
"We know toxins such as mercury and arsenic are harmful to both our health and our environment," said State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), a sponsor of both the plan to crack down on mercury, and the plan to protect children from toys containing toxic substances. "As legislators charged with protecting the public good, we simply must give our residents the tools to make informed decisions for their families, and send a strong message to manufacturers that it is unacceptable to continue to put Michigan families and the Great Lakes at risk. These dangerous toxic chemicals have no business in the products that we buy, and I am proud that Michigan is poised to be a leader in this regard."