INFORM Fact Sheet on Mercury-Free HVAC Systems

As part of its Pollution Prevention Program, INFORM, Inc. has published a fact sheet on “Specifying and Sourcing Mercury-Free HVAC and Building Equipment.” Fluorescent lamps are not the only mercury-containing products we use. A number of widely specified building systems—most notably switches and thermostats in heating and cooling systems; measurement devices, valves, and flow switches in systems that move, store, meter, or regulate liquids; and fire suppression and security systems—often incorporate mercury, a highly persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic chemical. Although systems containing mercury are still readily available, mercury-free alternatives are also available, generally with no penalty in cost or quality. The fact sheet includes sample spec language, a list of recommended manufacturers and vendors, and links to more information. It’s online at www.informinc.org/fs_P3merchvac.pdf.