LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

Which agency establishes guidelines for recycling programs for mercury-containing light bulbs?

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

4. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

The correct answer is: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency responsible for establishing guidelines related to recycling programs for mercury-containing light bulbs. This is largely due to the potential environmental and health hazards posed by mercury, which is a toxic substance. The EPA provides regulations and best practices for the proper disposal and recycling of these bulbs to prevent mercury from entering the waste stream and potentially contaminating air, water, and soil. In addition, the EPA initiatives often include educational resources and partnerships to promote safe recycling practices among consumers and businesses, ensuring compliance with environmental laws aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Other agencies, while they may have related functions, do not have the same specific mandate regarding the recycling of mercury-containing light bulbs. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health and disease-related issues, OSHA deals primarily with occupational safety and health standards, and NIST concentrates on measurement standards and technology-related research. Therefore, the EPA is uniquely positioned to guide and regulate the recycling of materials that could pose environmental risks, making it the correct choice in this context.