How does the Michigan Department of Community Health track hazardous substances releases?

Beginning January 2005, MDCH instituted a surveillance system for hazardous substances releases in Michigan called Hazardous Substance Emergencies Emergency Events Surveillance (MI-HSEES). The federally funded HSEES program includes 14 other states that all use the same protocol to collect, analyze and disseminate data on acute chemical releases and related adverse health effects, and conduct interventions to mitigate the impacts of releases on the environmental and human health. 

Mercury Spills in Schools

Numerous mercury spills have been documented in schools, sometimes costing as much as $250,000 to clean up. The high cost and the potential for harm to human health prompted widespread public concern about mercury. These incidents prompted the Michigan Legislators to take action.  According to Public Act 376 of 2000 , Michigan schools must phase out mercury use in the classroom and in the health (nurse's) office. This law applies to liquid (free flowing) elemental mercury as well as, mercury-containing instruments such as thermometers, barometers, manometers, and sphygmomanometers (blood pressure gauges).  In July 2006, MI-HSEES sent out letters to all Michigan school superintendents and principals to verify that elemental mercury or mercury-containing instruments have been removed from school buildings. The letters also provided instructions for proper disposal in the event that mercury was still found in the school buildings. Congratulations to these schools and school districts for reporting that they are mercury free.

HSEES Mandatory Chemical Reporting List

HSEES Annual Reports
2005 MI-HSEES Annual Report 
2006 MI-HSEES Annual Report