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Toxics:
Reduce Mercury
Our Position: support
Bill Number: a6850
Sponsor: Assembly Member DiNapoli
Legislative Session: 2005
This bill bans mercury in thermostats, and other consumer products.
Status
The bill passed the Assembly on 4/19/05 and has been delivered to the Senate. It is in the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.
Action Needed
Please call or write your Senator in support of this bill. To identify your Senator and find his or her contact information, click here.
More information
Please contact our legislative office.
Contact
Legislative Office: 518-426-9144, or email john.stouffer@sierraclub.org
Background
April 11, 2005 In Assembly 6850 by Assemblymember DiNapoli Title: An Act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to mercury-added consumer products Provisions: A.6850 bans the sale of thermostats, barometers, switches, and other measuring devices that contain mercury. The ban does not apply to: any product where mercury is a federal requirement; a switch used to replace a switch in a larger product; a product lacking a non-mercury alternative. Statement of Support: Mercury is a toxin that interferes with the central nervous system of humans and can cause permanent damage to the brain. Children and fetuses are at greatest risk of harm and may suffer from a variety of developmental disabilities. The Environmental Protection Agency recently concluded that one in six women of childbearing age have enough mercury in their blood to endanger a developing fetus.The Mercury in a product will eventually become mercury in our environment when that product is thrown out, incinerated, or put in a landfill. Since comparably priced, equally effective alternative products exist for nearly every product addressed in this bill, A.6850 is a sensible way to reduce mercury exposure. Moreover, A.6850 contains provisions to ensure that replacement products, and those without an alternative will still be available. Companies should not be able to sell dangerous, unnecessary products that put our communities at risk. For these reasons, the Sierra Club supports this bill.
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