Be Aware: Mercury Is Prohibited in The Mail
(NAPSI)—Many people may be surprised to learn they’ve been sending dangerous, prohibited items through the mail. That’s why the Postal Service is reminding customers that metallic mercury and devices containing metallic mercury are always prohibited in the mail stream.
What To Avoid
Forbidden items include: antiques 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).
What Can Happen
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.
What You May Not Know About The Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors and 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. It generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Learn More
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, you can visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Catalyst News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR THE CATALYST
New Long Island Underground Railroad Sites Revealed in Prof's Latest Book By Executive Editor
The Underrated Genre: Neo-Soul By Alhia Harris
Women's History Month: Student Spotlight Interview By Alhia Harris
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE CATALYST NEWS
RECENT THE CATALYST CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- A New School Year, A More Relevant SAT
- Prepare Your Place for the Next Pandemic
- Adult Braces Increasingly Trendy
- Back to School Means Recommended Vaccines for Preteens Too
- Simple Ways to Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Home
- Discover a Minimally Invasive Procedure Transforming the...
- Hints to Help You Discover Great Deals
- New Book By Gary Vaynerchuk Teaches Kids The Importance...
- Tips for Homeowners to Make Summer Home Projects More...
- When Planning International Travel, Measles Vaccination...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Outsmart the Outages: Expert Advice on Power Loss...
- Savor Smart Snacking with Kiwifruit
- Boost Your Brand Messaging to 100+ million Americans
- #Drive for Hope with Marine Toys for Tots and Richard...
- Tips for Having Meaningful Conversations with Your Kids
- How Psoriasis Stigma Impacts Health
- Satellite Internet Helps Small Businesses Stay Connected...
- Shop.able Carriers Offer Easy-to-Recycle Option for...
- Creating an American Techno-Industrial Strategy
- Prepare Now to Protect Yourself During Respiratory...