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EPA/OPPTS RIN: 2070-AJ46 Publication ID: Spring 2009 
Title: ●Mercury; Regulation of Use in Certain Products 
Abstract: Mercury is well-documented as a toxic, environmentally persistent substance that demonstrates the ability to bioaccumulate and to be atmospherically transported on a local, regional, and global scale. In addition, mercury can be environmentally transformed into methylmercury which biomagnifies and is highly toxic. EPA has conducted a preliminary analysis via the Risk-Based Prioritization of Mercury in Certain Products. By compiling data pertaining to the stated costs, advantages, and disadvantages associated with mercury-free alternatives to certain mercury-containing products, EPA made a preliminary judgment that effective and economically feasible alternatives exist. These products include switches, relays/contactors, flame sensors, button cell batteries, and measuring devices (e.g., non-fever thermometers, manometers, barometers, pyrometers, flow meters, and psychrometers/hygrometers). Therefore, EPA is evaluating whether an action (or combination of actions) under TSCA section 6(a) is appropriate for mercury used in such products. As appropriate, such an action(s) would involve a group(s) of these products. Specifically, EPA will determine whether the continued use of mercury in one or more of these products would pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 750   
Legal Authority: 15 USC 2605   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  12/00/2010    
Additional Information: SAN No. 5312
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Thomas Groeneveld
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404M,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1188
Email: groeneveld.thomas@epa.gov

Robert Courtnage
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1081
Email: courtnage.robert@epa.gov