Congress Looks to Ban Mercury Exports by 2013
by Trey Granger
Published on September 30th, 2008
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The U.S. House of Representatives voted 393-5 in favor of new legislation that would halt the export of products containing mercury to other countries by the end of 2012.
The Senate approved the legislation on Friday, meaning it’s now being sent to President Bush. Part of the new bill would allow Congress to monitor mercury use throughout the U.S. through the EPA.
The U.S. is one of the top world exporters of mercury, which can be found in paint, among other products. If mercury is released into the environment, it can cause health problems in the brain and spinal cord.
One way to keep mercury out of the environment is by recycling it, as well as any products that contain it. Use Earth911 to recycle mercury containing items.
