Mercury, also known as quicksilver is a highly toxic material that does not break down. While Mercury is one of the most useful of the heavy metals found in our daily lives, it is also one of the most deadly. When carelessly handled or improperly disposed of, mercury gets into drinking water, lakes, rivers and streams and becomes a clear threat to human health and the environment. Studies have shown mercury to be toxic to the nervous system.

Mercury has traditionally been used in Fluorescent and HID lamps as well as devices which include thermometers, switches, thermostats, flow meters and barometers.