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switch (about the size of a pea)
can contaminate a 20-acre lake and persists in the
environment for years without breaking down. It tends to
accumulate in higher concentrations as it moves up the food
chain, especially in certain fish species.
Which Vehicles have Mercury
Switches?
Generally, American-made cars
and trucks manufactured before 2003 or foreign made vehicles
manufactured before 1992 will likely contain these mercury
switches. Domestic models beyond 2003 will not contain any
switches containing mercury. Most “Big 3” vehicles sampled
in a Minnesota pilot removal project had at least one
standard or optional hood or trunk switch containing
mercury. Removing or replacing the switches with
ball-bearing switches is a key step in reducing the amount
of mercury released into the environment.
How Long Does It Take to Remove
a Lighting Switch?
It takes between 30 seconds to
about five minutes to remove the mercury switch from most
convenience lighting assemblies. Some older Chrysler models
may take slightly longer. Oregon's replacement program for
in-use vehicles has found that with a little practice they
can actually pull the old mercury switch and replace it with
a non-mercury ball-bearing switch in about 5 minutes.
What About the Disposing Removed
Switches?
The mercury switches must be
stored in a labeled, plastic, airtight container. The
container containing about one pound of mercury should be
recycled with a licensed mercury reclaimer or a hazardous
waste company within 3 years. Estimated disposal costs are
about $450 per pound of mercury.
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