Parker Waichman LLP

Mercury Pollution Persists as Environmental Issue

Although a recent study confirms that a dramatic decline in mercury releases from products in the U.S. between 1990 and 2005, <“https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/toxic_substances”>mercury remains a dangerously significant source of environmental contamination, contributing nearly one-third of total mercury emissions to the air in the U.S. Mercury release into the environment has long been a serious problem.  Mercury […]

Although a recent study confirms that a dramatic decline in mercury releases from products in the U.S. between 1990 and 2005, <“https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/toxic_substances”>mercury remains a dangerously significant source of environmental contamination, contributing nearly one-third of total mercury emissions to the air in the U.S.

Mercury release into the environment has long been a serious problem.  Mercury can harm a developing fetus if the mother is exposed to high levels and also accumulates in fish populations.  Because a variety of popular products release mercury throughout their lifecycles–often in ways that are difficult to measure—there are significant uncertainties concerning the impact of mercury release into the environment.

The findings, published in Journal of Industrial Ecology, give a new perspective on the magnitudes of different mercury release sources.  The study used a method called “substance flow analysis” to develop improved estimates of the environmental releases caused by mercury-containing products and to provide policy-makers with a clearer understanding of possible opportunities to reduce mercury release environmentally.

“Mercury-containing products such as thermometers, switches, and dental products release mercury throughout the product life-cycle, including during production, use, and disposal,” sad Alexis Cain, lead author of the study and an environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Substance flow analysis can be used to estimate the mercury releases to air, land, and water at different stages of a product lifecycle.  It can also help identify actions that would be effective in minimizing mercury releases.”  The disposal of mercury-containing products has been the subject of public debate in recent years and programs have been initiated to eliminate mercury thermometers and to discontinue mercury use in energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs. There is also controversy revolving around who should pay for the separate disposal of mercury-containing switches and headlights removed from cars before they are crushed and recycled.

The study indicated that in 2000, mercury releases caused by mercury-containing products accounted for an estimated 32 percent of mercury releases to air, two percent to land, and four percent to water.  Significant sources of include emissions from steel furnaces because of mercury containing devices in autos and other scrapped equipment, from transport and storage of waste because of broken mercury equipment, from cremations because of the mercury contained in dental amalgam used for tooth fillings, and from burn barrels used for trash disposal in rural areas.

Meanwhile, a recent study of Texas school district and industrial mercury-release data, which was conducted by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, revealed a statistically significant link between the pounds of industrial release of mercury and an increase in autism rates. The study examined mercury-release data from 39 coal-fired power plants and 56 industrial facilities in Texas and autism rates from 1,040 Texas school districts.  That study confirmed—for the first time in scientific literature—that there is a statistically significant link between autism risk and distance from the mercury source and that there is mounting evidence that children and other developing organisms are more susceptible to neurobiological effects of mercury.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman is the best law firm to use when you are in need of a strong advocate. They are a reputable law firm. Thank you to Nick Warywoda and Linda Ingber a team who was more than helpful, understanding and compassionate. We recommend them to injured people.
delroy white
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Mom died as a result of nursing home negligence.The general consensus was that she was old and near death anyway...so,not worth much monetarily!!!The people at Parker Waichman felt otherwise.They handled the case and treated my sister and myself as though we were their ONLY clients.We were most fortunate to meet the AMAZING Cybele Louis and her team....Stephanie San Filippo and Cindy Custodio.They were sensitive to the needs of our family but also tough with our awful opponents!!!! They accomplished more in a few short months than had been done in six years!!!! I also thank the reception crew who took my endless calls!!!!(Special thanks to Stephanie for putting up with my rants!!!!)
Gail Ratigan
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I had a friend who recommended Parker Waichman and I have to say I am so thankful that he suggested them. I found them to be very professional. Whenever I had an issue, I always spoke to Tina Morace. She was always prompt in returning my calls, and never to busy to answer any of my questions. She played an integral part in making the whole process stress free for me. Tina and the firm never kept me in the dark on what was going on. I will definitely use them again, and I highly recommend them.
Walter Sherrod
4 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038