WASHINGTON, June 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Postal Service is reminding
customers that metallic mercury and devices containing metallic
mercury are always prohibited in the mail stream. This includes
antique items such as thermometers, barometers, blood pressure
monitors, switches and relays. However, compact fluorescent lamps,
which contain small amounts of mercury in vapor form, are mailable
domestically but not internationally (including APO/FPO/DPO
destinations).
If a person knowingly mails items or materials that are
dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property, they may face
a CIVIL PENALTY of at least $250, but not more than $100,000 per violation; the costs of any cleanup
associated with each violation, and damages. They may also face
criminal penalties.
The Postal Service is committed to the safety and security of
its employees, its customers, and its transportation networks and
will remain vigilant in safeguarding the mail stream against any
article that might pose a hazard to health, safety, property, or
the environment.
The Postal Service offers FAQs on prohibited items containing
mercury and the Postal Inspection Service has released a public
service announcement on mercury in the mail. Additionally, please
see the chart below regarding information on commonly encountered
mercury.
Commonly Encountered Mercury
|
Description of
Item
|
Mailability of
Item
|
|
Liquid mercury —
Often encountered in a wide range of volumes. Reasons for sending
include uses for gold reclamation/refinement, preparation of dental
amalgams, and element collections.
|
Domestic Ground –
Prohibited
Domestic Air –
Prohibited
International –
Prohibited
Prohibited as per
Section 348.21e
|
|
Mercury
barometer — These devices often contain significant amounts of
mercury that are not well contained. They have been
responsible for several leaks.
(Note:
Fully digital versions are mailable without
restrictions.)
|
Domestic Ground –
Prohibited
Domestic Air –
Prohibited
International –
Prohibited
Prohibited as per
Section 348.21e
|
|
Mercury
thermometer — These items may contain significant amounts of
mercury in breakable containment (glass).
[Modern versions (i.e.
digital and those using red liquid, which is alcohol to which red
coloring has been added) are mailable without
restrictions.]
|
Domestic Ground –
Prohibited
Domestic Air –
Prohibited
International –
Prohibited
Prohibited as per
Section 348.21e
|
|
Mercury
sphygmomanometer (blood pressure gauge) — These devices may
contain significant amounts of mercury in breakable containment
(glass).
(Note- Fully
digital versions are mailable without
restrictions.)
|
Domestic Ground –
Prohibited
Domestic Air –
Prohibited
International –
Prohibited
Prohibited as per
Section 348.21e
|
|
Mercury switch -
May exist in a small enough size to get below the 100 mg. limit;
however, this would be the exception rather than the rule. If you
can see the mercury, it is not mailable.
|
Domestic Ground –
Prohibited
Domestic Air –
Prohibited
International –
Prohibited
Prohibited as per
Section 348.21e, may encounter some that adhere to Section
348.22g
|
|
Mercury relay —
May exist in a small enough size to get below the 100 mg. limit;
however, this would be the exception rather than the rule. If you
can see the mercury, it is not mailable.
|
Domestic Ground –
Prohibited
Domestic Air –
Prohibited
International –
Prohibited
Prohibited as per
Section 348.21e, may encounter some that adhere to Section
348.22g.
|
|
Compact fluorescent
lamps — These items contain small amounts of mercury vapor. If
broken, there will be no visible mercury and the vapors will
readily disperse.
|
Domestic Ground –
Mailable
Domestic Air –
Mailable
International –
Prohibited
Mailable as per
Section 348.22g.
See also Packaging
Instruction 8C.
|
Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an
independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing
and to serve every American community through the affordable,
reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million
addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan
Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a
10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to
modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial
sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and
shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of
America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for
operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and
services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and
audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom.
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Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For
more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com
and facts.usps.com.
Contact: Albert Ruiz
albert.ruiz@usps.gov
usps.com/news
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SOURCE U.S. Postal Service