Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Ban on the Sale or Distribution of Specific Mercury-added Products

Section 22a-616 of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS)

What type of mercury-added products are affected by the bans?
The bans prohibit the sale or distribution of specific mercury-added products in the state by particular dates. The following products were banned effective:

January 1, 2003 Mercury fever thermometers. Note: Mercury fever thermometers authorized by a physician's prescription are not included in this ban.
July 1, 2003 Mercury-added novelties and mercury dairy manometers
July 1, 2011 Button cell batteries containing mercury or any product containing such batteries.

What is a mercury fever thermometer?
CGS Section 22a-616 defines a mercury fever thermometer as a mercury-added product that is used for measuring body temperature. The definition does not include a digital thermometer that has a removable button cell battery that contains mercury.

What is a mercury-added novelty?
CGS Section 22a-613 defines a mercury-added novelty as a mercury-added product intended mainly for personal or household enjoyment or adornment, including, but not limited to, products intended for use as:

 Adornments Games Practical Jokes Candles Holiday Decorations Merchandise Cards Jewelry Toys Figurines Ornaments Yard Figures Footwear Other Items of Apparel Yard Statues

A product is not a mercury-added novelty solely on the basis that it includes a removable button cell battery containing mercury.

What is a mercury dairy manometer?
A mercury dairy manometer is an instrument that is used for measuring the pressure on milking lines and contains mercury.

What are the manufacturer's obligations when supplying a prescription authorized mercury fever thermometer?
Manufacturers of mercury fever thermometers must supply the person buying or receiving a mercury fever thermometer with:

  • a notice of the thermometer mercury content;

  • instructions on the proper disposal and handling of the thermometer to avoid breakage; and

  • appropriate cleanup techniques should a breakage occur.

What are the manufacturer's obligations to retailers concerning mercury-added novelties or mercury dairy manometers?
Manufacturers of mercury-added novelties or mercury dairy manometers must notify the retailers concerning:

  • the provisions of the mercury product ban, and

  • instructions on the proper disposal of any remaining inventory affected by the ban.

How can someone register a complaint concerning a mercury-added product ban?
People may register a complaint by calling the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Mercury Hotline at 1-877-537-2488 or 860-424-3297.

Contact Information and Assistance

Related Fact Sheets
Mercury Definitions

All environmental fact sheets are designed to provide basic information and to answer general questions. You must refer to the appropriate Connecticut General Statutes for the specific definitions and statutory requirements. 

Content Last Updated on December 18, 2006

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