Media Release

FOR : Immediate Release
DATE: August 16, 2005
CONTACT: Robert Vanderslice 222-7766

HEALTH Announces Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program; Protects Health and Prevents Pollution

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announces a Mercury Thermometer & Thermostat Exchange to be held at 2 locations on Friday, August 19, 2005 and 2 locations on Saturday, August 20, 2005, in partnership with: the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Dunn’s Corner Fire Department, the Exeter Fire Department, the Kingston Fire Department and the North Scituate Fire Department.

Trade in your old mercury fever thermometers and receive a Free Digital Thermometer (one per family while supplies last). Mercury-containing thermostats and other mercury-containing devices will also be accepted. However, NO thermostats are offered in exchange at this time. Residential materials ONLY. Bring the thermometer in its original container or a plastic ziploc bag.

The locations in Rhode Island are:

Friday, August 19, 2005

Kingston Fire Department (@ URI)
35 Bills Road, South Kingstown
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Dunn’s Corner Fire Department
1 Langworthy Road, Westerly
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Exeter Fire Department-Station #2
366 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter
9:00 am – 1:00 pm

North Scituate Fire Department
201 Danielson Pike, No. Scituate
9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Accidental mercury releases from broken mercury thermometers and mercury-containing thermostats in the home present a risk to your family’s health. When mercury-containing products are broken or thrown in the trash, outdoors, or down the drain, the mercury can pollute our environment. People can be exposed to mercury by breathing fumes, eating contaminated fish, or touching spilled mercury.