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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?
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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/0,1607,7-135-3307_29693_4175-160230--,00.html
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/0,1607,7-135-3307_29693_4175-160230--,00.html