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Mercury in Business Strategies to Reduce Mercury Risk
Many businesses have programs to reduce the use of mercury. In 1998, the American Hospital Association made a commitment to the Environmental Protection Agency to phase out mercury containing wastes in hospitals by 2005.
Thermometers that are digital, band-style, or those filled with alcohol or mineral spirits now meet calibration standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Manometers and other pressure gauges are now available in electronic versions. Purchase Mercury Product Alternatives Reducing the purchase and use of mercury-containing products will help reduce the amount of mercury pollution in the environment.
The primary exception to that rule is fluorescent lights. While fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, they remain the preferred lamp over incandescent lights, due to their long life, and the high number of lumens (light) they emit. Over the lifetime fluorescent bulbs result in less mercury being emitted into the environment than incandescent bulbs. It is recommended that bulbs with lower amounts of mercury be used. Learn more about Mercury-Free and Low-Mercury products through the Department of Ecology.
Green purchasing includes buying the best products and arranging for their disposal at the time of purchase with the manufacturer or supplier. It is possible to plan for the recycling of the products at the time of purchase, by writing in » take back» language into the up-front purchasing agreements with the manufacturers and suppliers. A number of suppliers will currently take back toxic products, such as print cartridges, batteries and thermostats. Purchasing agents can play a key role in making this happen in the development of the initial purchase contracts, and in negotiation with the manufacturers and suppliers.
National Library of Medicine (NLM)Haz-Map Occupational Hazard Database The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has a searchable database called Haz-Map. This database allows you to search by hazardous agent, occupational disease, or high risk job.
Controlling Mercury Risk by Reducing Occupation Risk The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on reducing occupational risk. OSHA's occupational mercury risk control suggestions
Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are often required by law to be on the premises of any business that uses chemicals. The purpose of these documents is to provide information about the on-site chemicals to employers, employees, and visitors. These information sheets are for all chemicals, ranging from benign to hazardous. The information often includes a brief description of the chemical, the proper use and disposal, and what to do in case of spills or exposures. Mercury MSDS Sheets
As long as mercury-containing items are intact and stored properly, they are considered to be safe. When the items are carelessly handled and improperly stored, the chance of mercury exposure increases through accidents. |
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