The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified mercury as one of 12 priority persistent, bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) pollutants ( http://www.epa.gov/pbt/pubs/fact.htm ). There are many sources of mercury on college and university campuses, including laboratory thermometers, fluorescent lamps, thermostats, batteries, computer monitors, barometers, and elemental mercury. When these items are mismanaged or broken, mercury is released to the environment. Mercury vapors are highly toxic, and repeated or prolonged exposure to mercury vapor can result in such symptoms as emotional disturbances, nausea, organ damage, and irreversible damage to the central nervous system ( http://www.epa.gov/mercury/ ).

Thermometers represent a significant source of mercury on campus, and can easily be replaced with accurate, non-mercury alternatives. GSU Environmental Programs Management will replace your mercury thermometers with alcohol filled thermometers for free.

Please contact Amber Skiles, by phone at 404-413-3565 or by email at askiles3@gsu.edu to participate in the mercury thermometer exchange program.