AAA Warns of Dangerous Mercury Lurking in Your Car; New AAA Program Offers Free Mercury Switch Replacement

    LAS VEGAS--June 3, 2003--Hidden away in the hood and trunk lights of more than a million Nevada cars lies enough mercury to poison hundreds of lakes and waterways. In response to this environmental threat, AAA Nevada is offering free switch removal and replacement during its first ever "Mercury Switch Out" program.
    "Most people don't realize the cars they're driving may contain mercury," said AAA Nevada spokesman Sean Comey. "Fortunately, replacement switches are equally effective and only take about five minutes to install."
    Of the 1.7 million cars registered in Nevada, 65 percent may contain mercury switches. With each switch containing nearly a gram of mercury, that's potentially hundreds of pounds of mercury riding around Nevada's streets and highways. Just one switch has the potential to pollute a 20 acre lake.
    During the week of June 9-16, AAA will be replacing mercury switches with new, non-polluting ball-bearing switches at select locations, free of charge. You do not need to be a AAA member to participate. Appointments must to be made in advance. Call the AAA Approved Auto Repair hotline at 800/645-4288 or visit www.aaa.com for participating locations.
    AAA is partnering in this effort with Sustainable Conservation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding new solutions to environmental problems and AERC, an EPA-approved mercury recycling company.
    Mercury switches are most often located in the hood and trunk lights. If the light goes on with the lid partially up, or if you can see that the bulb housing is mounted at an angle to the hood, a mercury switch is probably being used. Generally, domestic cars manufactured before 2001, or import cars made before 1992, are likely to contain mercury switches.
    "The switches are not dangerous when they are being used in a properly maintained vehicle," said Comey. "But once a car is sent to the junkyard and deteriorates, the mercury contained in the switches leaks out, possibly contaminating our supply of drinking water. The toxin is also absorbed by fish that may wind up on your dinner plate."
    Mercury is a neurotoxin that causes serious brain and nervous system damage in humans and wildlife. Mercury remains in the environment for years, without breaking down, and continues to accumulate in higher concentrations as it moves up the food chain.
    "Mercury is highly toxic," explained Mike Gerel of Sustainable Conservation. "It can build up in your body through eating contaminated food like fish and cause brain damage, and liver and kidney damage."
    Established over 100 years ago, AAA Nevada offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more 300,000 members. A not-for-profit organization, AAA Nevada has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded in 1900.