Maryland Environment Section 6-904

      The General Assembly finds that:

            (1)      Mercury is a persistent and toxic pollutant that bioaccumulates in the environment;

            (2)      Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish poses a significant health threat;

            (3)      Combustion of municipal and other solid waste is a source of mercury pollution;

            (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)      Accidental mercury spills, breakages, and releases have occurred at schools in the United States, exposing students, teachers, and administrators to mercury emissions; and

            (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.