Mercury remains prohibited in the mail with some exceptions

POSTAL NEWS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) reminds its customers that metallic mercury and devices containing metallic mercury are always prohibited in the mail stream. This includes antique items 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).

If people knowingly mail 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, plus 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.

The USPS offers FAQs on prohibited items containing mercury and the postal inspection service has released a public service announcement on mercury in the mail.

See the chart on the right regarding information on commonly encountered mercury.