Mercury fever thermometers
banned in Illinois    

[JULY 14, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Rod Blagojevich's approval of legislation to ban the manufacture, sale and distribution of mercury fever thermometers and mercury-added novelty items after July 1, 2004, was hailed Friday by Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

"This legislation continues the commitment of the governor and Illinois EPA to reducing potential mercury releases to the environment," said Cipriano.

Mercury-containing thermometers can pose an immediate health threat if they break, and they can also pollute waterways and harm fish if thrown away.

With Gov. Blagojevich's approval on Thursday of the Mercury Fever Thermometer Prohibition Act (HB 1530), Illinois joins 10 other states that have enacted similar bans.

Illinois EPA currently has a mercury initiative under way that particularly targets removal of mercury-containing materials and dangerous chemicals from schools.

The agency has so far assisted more than 50 schools in cleaning out their laboratories, workshops and classrooms of mercury-containing items and other hazardous educational waste. So far 29 drums of exclusively mercury materials have been collected for proper disposal.

Mercury items are also accepted at the household hazardous waste collections conducted around the state in the spring and fall by Illinois EPA with local governments and organizations. The agency has also conducted mercury thermometer exchanges at nine state facilities and has partnered with hospitals.

In addition, public education and outreach on the hazards of mercury are being conducted by Illinois EPA through distribution of informational brochures, radio public service announcements and workshops.

Illinois EPA also participates in the National Quicksilver Caucus, a coalition of state associations that have come together to address issues of mercury and the environment. The agency is also working on more detailed assessments and improved techniques to determine the amounts and sources of mercury in our air and water.

[Illinois Environmental Protection Agency news release] 

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Saturday:

• Holiday stymies blood donation; shortages prompt alert

• $300 million carrot dangled for clean Illinois coal production

Friday:

• County moves to upgrade courthouse wiring

• Logan County Title Company celebrates centennial

• Pictures from Logan County Title ice cream social

Thursday:

• Severe weather skirts Logan County again

• West Nile virus detected in Logan County avian population

Wednesday:

• Storm skims Logan County
• Hot lead shuts down courthouse
• Holiday weekend blood usage causes concern about local supply
• Blagojevich approves key advance
  in women's health

Tuesday:

• Lincoln's success with dogs, trees and other business

• Governor trims state administrative offices and DOC
  $222 million vetoed

• Prescription drug plan good for seniors

Monday:

• One of Lincoln's great traditions -- our Fourth of July celebration

• Illinois helping families with health care insurance