Mercury in Healthcare Industry

Hospitals and Clinics

• Mercury spills have occurred in clinics and hospitals

• Where do I look?– Examination and surgical rooms – Nurse Stations – Cafeterias (thermometers)– Laboratories and chemistry rooms

Hospitals and Clinics

• What to look for?– Laboratory chemicals – Mercury thermometers (laboratory and

medical)– Mercury barometers– Mercury gauges– Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure device)– Gastrointestinal tubes– Fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps– Pharmaceutical products

Hospitals and Clinics

• In Michigan, Blood Pressure Device Sales/Use Ban:– Public Act 493 of

2006: prohibits the sale of mercury-added blood pressure devices by January 1, 2008 and their 'use' by January 1, 2009.

Hospitals and Clinics

• Also, Medical Devices Sales Ban Public Act 494 of 2006 : – Public Act 494 of 2006 bans the sale of

esophageal dilators, bougie tubes and gastrointestinal tubes that contain mercury or mercury-compounds beginning January 1, 2009.

Hospitals and Clinics

• Information on this and other programs can be obtained at the following websites:– www.epa.state.oh.us/opp/Mercury

%20Challenge_Web.pdf– www.epa.state.oh.us/opp/hospital.html– www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-

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Mercury in Healthcare Industry

• Mercury from dental offices enter the environment?– Mercury-containing amalgam particles

• rinsed down drains, sink traps

– Amalgam particles in a Bio-bags• incinerated

– Amalgam particles in ordinary trash• Non-hazardous waste landfill

Mercury in Healthcare Industry

• Dental Mercury Amalgam Separators Public Act 503 of 2008 requires that on or before December 31, 2013, – Dentists shall install

or have installed separator in all drains

Mercury in Healthcare Industry

• For more information on best management practices, visit– www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/

topics_amalgamwaste.pdf– www.mercvt.org/dentalbmp.pdf– www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-

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