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

    SAN FRANCISCO--June 3, 2003--Hidden away in the hood and trunk lights of millions of California cars lies enough mercury to poison thousands of lakes and waterways. In response to this environmental threat, AAA of Northern California 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," explained AAA of Northern California spokesperson Jenny Mack. "Luckily, replacement switches are equally effective and only take about five minutes to install."
    Of the 19 million cars registered in California, over 12 million contain mercury switches. That's more than 10 tons of mercury riding around California'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 need 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," explained Mack. "But once a car is sent to the junkyard and deteriorates, the mercury contained in the switches leaks out into the groundwater, polluting our fish and water supply."
    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 of Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 4 million members. A not-for-profit organization, AAA of Northern California has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded in 1900.