John Mara wrote:
Elmer wrote:

The
environmental dangers of mercury have become more apparent in recent
times.

Haven't the dangers or mercury been known for a long time? There is the
Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. Hatters were mad because they were
exposed to mercury vapor in making hats and suffered neurological damage.

John Mara

The direct exposure to mercury, yes. But people did not think about
what happened when products containing mercury were thrown in the
trash. Mercury pollution from landfills and incinerators is now known
to be a significant problem and only recently have mercury specific
recycling programs been implemented.

Elmer