Why do you suppose elemental mercury has been so demonized in the U.S.,
such that glass thermometers, manometers, barometers, mercury switches,
classroom stores and much more are deemed hazards of the highest order
and subject to various recalls, seizures and hazmat raids? I had always
suspected that vastly more mercury is introduced into the environment
from burning coal than could ever reach the food chain from elemental
mercury containing devices.



Gives people something to be hysterical about I suppose. I feel the same way
about asbestos and PCBs, I wouldn't spread them on toast or dump them on the
ground outside, but I feel they're unfairly demonized and made out to be far
more dangerous than they are while other toxic substances are practically
ignored.

I can't vouch for this, but a friend commented recently that the asbestos
removal guys are running out of work and the latest hysteria is formaldahyde
in fiberglass insulation.