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Since the early 1990s, U.S. environmental regulations have eliminated the development of mercury as a new product. Despite these changes targeting mercury use, alternatives have been slow to develop, and in cases such as precision measurement devices are not possible. As a result, mercury has been mined through reclamation and recycling processes.
Auto-body shops and restoration specialists can breathe a sigh of relief now that the final EPA rule on emission standards for paint stripping and surface coating operations is out. At the same time, however, they should take a deep breath and prepare for some changes to come.
Solar power is cleaner than fossil fuels, but its environmental costs need smarter, safer solutions.