Recently EPA, as per TSCA , released a final regulation, which had entered into force on Agu.20 2010, on the mercury using in flow meters, pressure gauges, thermometers as a significant new use rule (SNUR) ( except the products still in use from September 11, 2009). The act requires any person or party with the intention to engage in the import, manufacture or processing of mercury as a significant new use to summit a significant new use notice (SNUN) to EPA at least 90 days before beginning that use. This notification will provide EPA an opportunity to assess the intended use. If necessary, EPA may prohibit or restrict the activities before they occur.
As a measure of EPA to further control the harmful substances, this action in some cases prohibits the use of certain products containing mercury, lead and hazardous chemicals. Many states of US including California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont have banned the sale of mercury flow meters, pressure gauges, thermometers and other products.