University of Wisconsin - Extension

Schools in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota contain less mercury, thanks to The Mercury In Schools project.

Project goals are to reduce mercury use, increase mercury recycling and improve mercury management in schools. The project was created and delivered by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, EPA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

¿This program generates heightened awareness as to the nature and solution of mercury in schools,¿ says Steve Brachman, UW-Extension waste reduction and management specialist.

The program created a website clearinghouse for information, documents and programs to reduce use, increase recycling and improve mercury management in schools. The website is located at http://www.mercury-k12.org/"> http://www.mercury-k12.org.

¿Mercury is an element that does not break down,¿ explains Brachman. ¿It occurs naturally and is found in very small amounts in oceans, rocks and soils. Once in the air, mercury can fall to the ground with rain and snow, landing on soils or water bodies, causing contamination.¿

Although schools do not constitute one of the largest sources of mercury to the environment, they are places where mercury and children may come together. They are also places where people can model appropriate health and environmental protection behaviors. And schools can also be catalysts for reducing mercury in homes of students and staff.

Mercury in schools is located in science and chemistry labs, in the nurse¿s office and in heating and cooling equipment.

The Mercury in Schools project offered train the trainer sessions in various cities including Milwaukee, Chicago and Detroit.

The project will be expanded in 2002 to address ¿Even Less Mercury in Schools.¿ Project partners hope to offer on-line courses, updated curricula materials and more training to help meet the goal of reducing mercury use in schools.