1. (1) Mercury is a persistent and toxic pollutant that bioaccumulates in the environment;
2. (2) Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish poses a significant health threat;
3. (3) Combustion of municipal and other solid waste is a source of mercury pollution;
4. (4) Both industry and government are working to reduce the content of mercury in products and to control the release of mercury into the environment;
5. (5) Accidental mercury spills, breakages, and releases have occurred at schools in the United States, exposing students, teachers, and administrators to mercury emissions; and
6. (6) Removal of mercury and mercury-containing products from the waste stream prior to combustion or disposal is an effective way to reduce mercury pollution.

<Section effective January 1, 2018. See, also, section effective through December 31, 2017.>

The General Assembly finds that:

Added by Acts 2001, c. 639, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2009, c. 60, § 5, eff. April 14, 2009; Acts 2009, c. 713, § 1, eff. July 1, 2009.