Mercury is a heavy silver-white poisonous metallic element that is liquid at normal temperatures. 40 states warn residents to restrict their consumption of certain fish due to mercury contamination. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 7 million women and children are eating mercury-contaminated fish at or above the level it considers safe.
There are various state and federal laws governing mercury. For example, a Maine law creates a manufacturer-funded system for removing and disposing of mercury-added components, such as switches in hood and trunk lights, before vehicles are crushed or shredded for recycling.
