The Issue of Mercury
6/20/2019
Mercury pollution is a widespread environmental and human health issue. The use of mercury in the medical setting undermines the health sector’s own efforts to improve health conditions for all.
Mercury is used in many instruments in hospitals, labs and other healthcare facilities. It is a common part of thermometers and sphygmomanometers (devices to measure blood pressure), fluorescent lamps and dental amalgam fillings. In the construction industry and in households it’s found in everyday items like thermostats and pressure gauges. Liquids such as fixatives, cleaning products and laboratory chemicals may also have mercury added. Other sources are coal emissions and the gold mining industry.
Mercury is hazardous because at room temperature, it turns into a gas. Even tiny amounts can cause brain damage and can harm other parts of the nervous system. If it gets into bodies of water or damp soil it becomes highly toxic organic mercury. It collects in the bodies of exposed animals such as fish, posing another hazard to humans if consumed as food.
The World Health Organization has recognized mercury as a threat to human health and has launched a global initiative to eliminate mercury use in healthcare by 2020, particularly in thermometers and blood pressure devices. There are alternatives that are cost effective, safe and just as accurate.
Mercury is used in many instruments in hospitals, labs and other healthcare facilities. It is a common part of thermometers and sphygmomanometers (devices to measure blood pressure), fluorescent lamps and dental amalgam fillings. In the construction industry and in households it’s found in everyday items like thermostats and pressure gauges. Liquids such as fixatives, cleaning products and laboratory chemicals may also have mercury added. Other sources are coal emissions and the gold mining industry.
Mercury is hazardous because at room temperature, it turns into a gas. Even tiny amounts can cause brain damage and can harm other parts of the nervous system. If it gets into bodies of water or damp soil it becomes highly toxic organic mercury. It collects in the bodies of exposed animals such as fish, posing another hazard to humans if consumed as food.
The World Health Organization has recognized mercury as a threat to human health and has launched a global initiative to eliminate mercury use in healthcare by 2020, particularly in thermometers and blood pressure devices. There are alternatives that are cost effective, safe and just as accurate.