LANSING – In a move to better protect Michigan's families and the Great Lakes, the Michigan House of Representatives today passed two plans introduced by State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) that will phase out the use of mercury in products sold in Michigan, and better notify workers who handle products containing mercury of the dangers associated with the chemical. Ebli's plans are part of a comprehensive package to restrict the use of mercury in Michigan.
"Dangerous chemicals like mercury have no place in the products we buy, and they certainly should not be polluting our waters," Ebli said. "We cannot allow these toxins to continue to put Michigan families and the Great Lakes at risk. When mercury pollutes our waters, it can have a negative effect on tourism – Michigan's third largest industry. We need to do all we can to protect such a vital part of our economy, and the jobs it provides for our residents."
Mercury is a dangerous, bioaccumulative toxin that can seriously impact the health of Michigan residents, wildlife and natural resources. 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 first of Ebli's plans prohibits the use of mercury in products, such as batteries, watches and novelty items. Her second plan protects Michigan workers by requiring 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.
Other parts of the plan will 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; and phase out the sale of certain mercury measuring devices.
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.
"If there are safer alternatives to mercury, we need to be using them – it's common sense," said Ebli, a sponsor of 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. I applaud my colleagues for passing this plan quickly, and I urge the Senate to do the same to better protect our residents, and our state."