On 15 Jul 2006 18:07:34 -0700, "Elmer" wrote:


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.

My father used mercury when making fillings for teeth. I think I
expressed interest, or maybe he knew it would be interesting, so he
gave me maybe 4 cubic centimeters of it when I was 6, but I have to
admit, I've never found a use for it (except watching it). I think I
got another 4cc when he died 2 years later. I'm 59 now, and have
moved about 6 times, but the mercury has only had to move 4 times in
all these years. I keep saving it for a special occasion. Like
repairing mercury switches, but it was easier to buy another switch,
or use the ones built into car trunk and hood lights.

Elmer