LANSING – In a move to better protect Michigan's families and the Great Lakes, State Representatives Dian Slavens (D-Canton) and Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown) today voted for 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.
"Mercury and other dangerous substances have put our families and the Great Lakes in harm's way for far too long," Slavens said. "We must take action to protect Michigan's residents and natural resources. This plan will ensure that products containing mercury are properly disposed of and that this toxic substance doesn't contaminate our water, land or food."
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.
The plan is part of the lawmakers' continuing commitment to protect Michigan families from toxic substances. Earlier this week, a package of bills was introduced that will require manufacturers of children's toys and products to report what chemicals they use in the production of toys sold in Michigan.
"Although Michigan's natural resources are vast, they also are very vulnerable," Kennedy said. "Because of that fact, we really need to be careful of what we toss in the trash and ensure that companies are not using toxic substances when manufacturing their products. We all need to work together so that Michigan's resources are preserved and free of toxins for future generations."