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A law to ban the sale of mercury thermometers is now on the governor's desk (Mercury Thermometer Bill #4599). It is expected that Governor Engler will sign the bill before the end of the week. Environmentalists consider the bill an important first step in reducing the amount of mercury released into Michigan's environment from consumer products. With the passage of this bill Michigan joins several other states across the nation, including California and Maryland, in restricting the sale and use of mercury thermometers. Jeff Gearhart of the Ecology Center stated, "It is great that Michigan has finally taking leadership to phase out of the use of mercury containing products like thermometers, however, much works still needs to be done to phase out other uses and recover mercury already in products like autos and appliances." James Clift, Policy Director of the Michigan Environmental Council is also very pleased with the passage of the bill but stressed , "We need to build on this accomplishment so that future generations will not have to worry about the current mercury contamination-fish consumption advisories for all11,000 inland lakes in Michigan. Mercury attacks the central nervous system and can cause tremors, impaired vision, and hearing, developmental deficits during fetal development, attention deficit, and developmental delays during childhood. Fetuses and children under six are especially vulnerable to the deleterious effects of mercury. In the year 2000, mercury from fever thermometers alone accounted for 17 tons of 10% of mercury in the municipal solid waste stream. The Ecology Center, based in Ann Arbor, is a regional environmental organization working for clean air, safe water and environmental justice. The Michigan Environmental Council, based in Lansing, is a statewide coalition of over 50 environmental, public health, and faith-based organizations working together to protect the environment.
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