Creating Mercury Safe Homes, Schools and Communities in the Southeast

Mercury is a naturally occurring element which can be found in soils, rocks and oceans. It possesses a variety of unique properties that have made it very useful over time. While it is a very useful element, exposure to mercury has been shown to have a number of adverse health effects. This project will be coordinated through the University of Kentucky and the University of Georgia, but will be open to participation from the Extension Service or System in the eight states and two islands included in HUD Region IV. Within this region, clientele need to understand that both the elemental form of mercury (the inorganic form used in household products) can be harmful, as can methylmercury, an organic form of mercury created when bacteria in water bodies come in contact with organic mercury. This project will provide clientele with guidance on reducing the risk from mercury exposure from products in homes and buildings, as well as from the fish they eat. The project will also focus in on the issue of mercury in schools, and utilize curriculum materials developed through the University of Wisconsin to teach youth about mercury and its dangers.