5,200 Mercury Fever Thermometers Collected in Bergen County

 

By Dennis McNerney,

Bergen County Executive

 

I applaud Hackensack Riverkeeper and the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) for their recent efforts in implementing the countywide Mercury Fever Thermometer Swap Program. As the Bergen County Executive and a parent of young children, it is essential to me that our residents realize that the mercury contained in one small fever thermometer can cause insufferable health effects on people and severely harm our environment.

It is estimated that one-third of the mercury entering the atmosphere originates from the incineration of mercury-containing products disposed of in the trash. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) considers mercury thermometers one of the largest sources of mercury in the solid waste stream - estimated at 17 tons per year. 

I am proud of the joint partnership the BCUA and Riverkeeper have formed to educate our residents about the many dangers associated with mercury. For fetuses, infants and children, the primary effects of mercury are stunted neurological development.  Impacts on memory, attention, language and other skills have been found in children exposed to even moderate levels while in the womb.  Since the mercury in a single fever thermometer can contaminate a 20-acre lake, imagine the harm that thermometer could do to children if it were to break or be disposed of improperly.  Fortunately, the BCUA has collected over 5,200 mercury-containing fever thermometers since the inception of the program in May 2004.

While we’re making great strides on stemming the tide of mercury entering landfills and incinerators, we must not forget that mercury is no stranger to Bergen County.  Berry’s Creek, located in the Hackensack Meadowlands, is the largest contaminated mercury site in the world.  It is clear that the efforts of Hackensack Riverkeeper and the BCUA regarding public awareness of mercury contamination and the health hazards associated with the toxin are greatly needed.

I encourage our residents to participate in the Mercury Fever Thermometer Swap and I encourage our municipalities to make it one of their top priorities this year. I commend Hackensack Riverkeeper and the BCUA for all of their efforts in helping to spread the message of mercury awareness throughout Bergen County.  Please keep up the strong efforts on our behalf.

 

Future Mercury Fever Thermometer Swaps are being planned. Please go to www.bcua.org for the latest details.