The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

April 17, 2007

Minnesota Senate backs mercury ban

ST. PAUL — Minnesota senators voted Monday to ban more products that contain mercury.

The bill would outlaw mercury-containing thermostats, feeding tubes, inflatable blood pressure cuffs, switches and other instruments — but only when mercury-free versions are available. Cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs with mercury as an ingredient would also become illegal.

Schools wouldn’t be allowed to have mercury at all, whether in thermostats or other devices.

Mercury is a toxic metal that can permanently harm the brain, kidneys and developing fetuses. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. John Marty, said industries that use mercury are moving away from it.

“If we pass this legislation it will reduce emissions of mercury into the environment by hundreds of pounds a year,” said Marty, DFL-Roseville.

Marty’s bill would add some work for consumers who use compact fluorescent light bulbs, which contain small amounts of mercury. Throwing the bulbs in the trash would become illegal — instead, they would have to go to household hazardous waste drop-offs or other take-back programs.

The Senate approved the mercury bill on a voice vote and will take a formal vote later. Similar legislation awaits a House vote.

Minnesota law currently outlaws mercury thermometers, toys, games, clothes and pressure-reading devices called manometers, and regulates the disposal of some mercury-containing devices.

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