U.S. Water News Online
BOSTON -- Massachusetts has joined other New England states in enacting laws aimed at reducing mercury pollution.
The bill, signed by Gov. Mitt Romney, calls for the gradual phasing out of products that use mercury for which mercury-free alternatives are available, and for manufacturers of certain products that contain mercury to set up and pay for collection programs that will keep the products out of landfills.
"This bill will have an enormous impact on reducing toxic emissions and will minimize the number of products containing mercury from entering the state," Environmental Affairs Secretary Stephen Pritchard said in a statement.
Mercury is a toxin that can, at high levels, damage a person's nervous system, heart, kidneys, lungs and immune system. Infants are particularly prone to susceptible exposure because their nervous systems are rapidly developing.
A bill to regulate mercury was first introduced in the Legislature in 2001. A final version was passed this month.
"The residents and legislators of Massachusetts can be proud that we now have one of the strongest mercury products laws in the nation," said Elizabeth Saunders, of the advocacy group Clean Water Action.
Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont have mercury pollution laws on the books. In 2000, New Hampshire became the first state in the country to ban the sale of mercury thermometers.
Mercury can enter the soil and water when products containing the toxin, such as thermometers or certain car parts, are buried in a landfill. Mercury vapors are released into the air, and later settle in the ground and water, through certain manufacturing processes and incinerators.
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