Re: [Leica] PX625 cell, Hg, and Tri-Elmar (long)

["Joseph Codispoti" <joecodi@thegrid.net>]

Jim,
I agree that there are many hazards in our daily life posed by products we
use and would not do without.  I am aware also that it is  "politics" and
"big business" that prevail in policy making. Is it not because of that that
gasoline and its additives as well as other toxic substances are used with
impunity?

I am not really adamantly opposed to the use of mercury batteries. After all
it is a small use as you say compared to other chemicals (I would be for
nukes as well were it not for the fact that there is no safe disposal system
in place for spent fuel). I feel however that all too often we justify that
which suits us. Although I do not consider myself an avowed
environmentalist, I feel guilty every time I throw alkaline batteries in the
trash.

I just read an other post on the LUG claiming that "we been here before "
regarding this issue.  So I ain’t saying no more.

Joseph Codispoti

- -----Original Message-----
From: Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 1998 6:46 PM
Subject: Re: [Leica] PX625 cell, Hg, and Tri-Elmar (long)


>At 02:20 PM 4/14/98 -0700, Joe wrote:
>>Ken Wilcox wrote:
>>
>>>>>>The only way to replace a Mercury cell is to remove the irresponsible
>>regulations that removed them from the market. <<<<
>>
>>Ken, your frustration is understandable. However, irresponsible was the
>>introduction of batteries containing mercury, an element known to be
lethal
>>
>
>I'm not sure Hg is any more lethal than a lot of other chemicals that we
>either use or is forced upon us everyday. MTBE, Benzene, Lead, Selenium,
>Fluoride, Iron... A few Iron supplements will kill a young child. You
>cannot use lead paint but you can buy and throw away lead-acid batteries.
>
>I'm not arguing with you Joseph, just pointing out that certain things are
>banned in order to gain a leading edge in a particular industry. Many very
>very poisonous substances are forced upon us every day. They still use
>Mercury in your teeth! They put MTBE in our (CA) gas, yet it is banned
>(proven health problems) in many other states. MTBE is a waste product and
>to get rid of it cost the oil companies large sums of money. So they, and
>the bureaucrats, figured out how we the public could buy MTBE. Fluoride is
>proven to be a real health hazard. Anyone with college chemistry,
>physiology, etc, knows the effect of Fluoride on the brain. Yet bureaucrats
>force it in our water. I have four kids, 18, 22, 25, & 27. We have never
>consumed Fluoridated water in our house. None of my kids have a single
>filling in their teeth. Their teeth are perfect. Also, If Fluoride does
>help teeth, it only helps young people... the very people that are harmed
>mentally by it.
>
>So my point of view is that Mercury batteries are no more harmful than
>Fluoride in water, MTBE in gas, Iron supplements, Nitrites in processed
>meats, Salmonella in eggs, E-coli in hamburger, Pesticides on our fruits
>and vegetables (during the winter they are imported from Mexico, Chili,
>etc., countries that have no pesticide policy). As a matter of fact, our
>chemical companies sell pesticides that are illegal in the US, to the very
>countries that supply our groceries. And someone is worried about Mercury
>batteries? Give me a break!
>
>So I personally believe that the banning of Mercury batteries (and
>thermometers), and the forcing of deadly poisons far worse than Mercury
>into our lives, is the result of a hidden agenda by bureaucrats and big
>business. Are Mercury batteries banned in other countries? No. And just
>because they are banned here doesn't mean that they are not available. CL
>and MR meter mercury batteries are readily available via mail order. I've
>seen many references here on the LUG.
>
>By the way, Keeble and Shuchat has a Tri-Elmar in stock if anyone is
>interested. Call 650-327-8996 and ask for Jeff Alford.
>
>Jim
>
>
>