Properly Dispose of Unused Medicine
You may get rid of unused and unwanted medications in an environmentally responsible way twice each year at many area Walgreen's Drug Stores.
Preventing Mercury Pollution
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal and a liquid chemical element at room temperature.
- one of the primary pollutants of concern in Indiana's rivers and streams
- cannot be artificially produced and it does not break down into other substances
- conducts electricity and is especially useful in a variety of electronic devices and in industrial applications
- highly toxic to humans and wildlife and so must be handled and disposed of properly.
Managing Mercury in Dental Offices
Special information for dentists
Amalgam materials used in the past for filling dental cavities often contained mercury. Although mercury is no longer used by dentists, dental offices are required to have special equipment including amalgam separators that trap mercury and allow it to be properly handled.
Mercury and Our Environment
Significant quantities of mercury have been found in many Indiana streams and in our air. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management maintains a list of which Indiana water bodies are not expected to meet applicable federal water quality standards.
What Do I Do in Case of a Mercury Spill?
Most small mercury spills (such as a spill from a thermometer used to take a person's temperature) can be cleaned up by following these instructions: