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 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.
To request a set of the digital thermometers or feverscan
thermometers, make a request to
Madeline Beery
at the Department of Heath. These thermometers can
help launch a business awareness campaign.
Additional Strategies to
Reduce Risk
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
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.
 On
the Job Prevention
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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.
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Controlling
Mercury Risk by Reducing Occupation Risk
The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses
on reducing occupational risk.
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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.
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Storage
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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