Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: November 10, 2006

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

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announces a Mercury Thermometer Exchange & Thermostat Disposal Program to be held at one location on Saturday, November 18, 2006, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Cranston Fire Department.

Trade in your old mercury fever thermometers and you 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 ziploc bag.

The location in Rhode Island is:

Saturday, November 18, 2006
Cranston Fire Department
160 Sockanosset Cross Road
Cranston, RI
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 harmful amounts of mercury by breathing fumes from spilled mercury, eating contaminated fish frequently, or touching spilled mercury.

Help to safely dispose of mercury by trading in your old mercury fever thermometers or mercury containing thermostats by taking them 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