Minister of Environment Chester Gillan is hopeful that hundreds of Prince Edward Islanders will take advantage of an opportunity next week to return old mercury fever thermometers for safe disposal.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is partnering with the Prince Edward Island Pharmaceutical Association and Island Waste Management Corporation on the mercury thermometer collection. From September 30 to October 5, Islanders can return mercury fever thermometers to any of the 43 pharmacies across the province. As an added incentive, the department is offering a $5 rebate on the purchase of a new digital thermometer.
"Our aim is to minimize releases of mercury to the Island environment by keeping old thermometers from ending up in the trash," explained Minister Gillan. "That, in turn, means we will reduce potential health risks associated with mercury exposure."
Studies show that low levels of mercury can have subtle impacts on brain development and learning ability of children. Higher levels of mercury in children and adults are known to affect the kidneys and nervous system. A thermometer contains only half a gram of mercury, however, that small amount is enough to contaminate five million gallons of water.
As a first step in preparation for next week's mercury thermometer collection, the 43 members of the Prince Edward Island Pharmaceutical Association voluntarily removed mercury fever thermometers from store shelves last spring. More recently, Island pharmacies have all ensured that they have in stock reliable digital thermometers for less than $10. With the $5 rebate from the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, which is given at the time of purchase, Islanders will be able to go home with a new digital thermometer for less than $5.
"I encourage Prince Edward Islanders to take advantage of this opportunity," said Minister Gillan. "Digital thermometers are not only safer, they are easier to read and, therefore, more accurate. This is the ideal time to make the switch."
Based on experience in other jurisdictions, it is estimated that there are as many as 4,000 mercury-containing thermometers in Prince Edward Island homes -- either still being used or simply stored away in a medicine cabinet or cupboard. Mercury fever thermometers are generally glass with a silver tip.
In addition to thermometers, mercury is used in everything from thermostats and electrical switches, to old paints and dyes, computers, batteries, medical equipment, and flourescent light bulbs. For further information on mercury, including guidelines for the safe cleanup of household mercury spills, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-5047 or visit the web site (www.gov.pe.ca/fae/pp-info).