Print This Page
Vehicles with Mercury Switches
Many American-made vehicles contain mercury switches in hood and trunk lights and in anti-lock brake systems (ABS). The mercury is found in a small glass or metal capsule in the light switch assembly. When the hood or trunk reaches a certain angle, mercury in the switch makes contact with the electrical points, creating a circuit and turning on the light.
Mercury switches were commonly used in vehicles manufactured during the 1970's and 1980's. Vehicle models containing mercury switches are listed by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Clean Car Campaign.
The use of mercury in light switch assemblies has been phased out by car makers. (On the other hand, the new 'extra bright' vehicle headlights now contain mercury.)
As of 2005, about 2.2 million vehicles in Washington had mercury light switches. This amounts to nearly a ton of mercury. At the end of life, these vehicles are crushed and the scrap is melted, usually in steel mills. Mercury can be released into the atmosphere. The best way to keep mercury out of the environment is to remove mercury switches before crushing and shredding.
Mercury-containing hood and trunk lights can be removed by auto dismantlers when the vehicle goes out of service, or while the vehicle is still in use.
For more information contact Taylor Watson, Health and Environmental Investigator, at taylor.watson@kingcounty.gov.
