Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: April 24, 2006
Contact: Carol Hall-Walker (401) 222-2589

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 two locations on Saturday, April 29, 2006, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Harmony Fire Department and the North Smithfield Fire & Rescue (Primrose).

Trade in your old mercury fever thermometers and participants will 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 zip loc bag.

The locations in Rhode Island are:

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Harmony Fire Department
194 Putnam Pike, Chepachet
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

No. Smithfield Fire & Rescue (Primrose)
1470 Providence Pike, No. Smithfield
10:00 am – 2:00 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.

Help to safely dispose of mercury by trading in your old mercury fever thermometers or mercury containing thermostats to one of the free disposal sites and receive a free digital thermometer (one per family while supplies last).

To learn more about Mercury go to http://www.health.ri.gov/topics/mercury.php