Mercury is an element that has many uses and which becomes a toxic pollutant in
a variety of ways. Methylmercury, the form mercury often takes in the environment,
is toxic to human nervous systems and immune systems and creates a risk for hypertension
and renal damage. Animal studies, including non-human primates, have found reproductive
problems including decreased conception rates, early fetal loss, and stillbirths
(Burbacher et al., 1988). Based on human exposures, there is suggestive evidence
of a negative effect on human fertility (National Research Council, 2000). The largest
contributors of mercury in our environment are the coal-fired power plants (in which
naturallyoccurring mercury is found in coal and released into the atmosphere when
the coal is burned) and municipal and medical waste incinerators (when mercury-containing
products are burned).
From 'Environmental Health in the Healthcare Setting,' by Barbara
Sattler, DrPH, RN
News
Mercury in Mascara? Minnesota Bans It (December
14, 2007)
The quest for thicker lashes and defined eyes should get safer in Minnesota on Jan.
1, when a state law banning mercury from mascara, eye liners and skin-lightening
creams takes effect.
From MSNBC
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22258423/
From the American Journal of Nursing
From Health Care Without Harm
On the Web
EPA
www.epa.gov/mercury
CDC
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html
Health Care Without Harm
www.noharm.org
Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E)
www.h2e-online.org
Harvard University: Broken Mercury Thermometers
www.uos.harvard.edu/ehs/onl_fac_env_mer.shtml
Indiana Department of Environmental Management: Factsheet on Mercury Thermometers
www.state.in.us/idem/ctap/mercury/thermometers.html
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
www.mwra.state.ma.us
Massachusetts Medical, Academic and Scientific Community Organization (MASCO)
www.masco.org/mercury
Mercury in Medical Waste: Keeping Mercury Out of Medical Waste
www.p2pays.org/ref/01/00792.htm
Mercury Use Reduction & Waste Prevention in Medical Facilities USEPA Region
5 and Purdue University
www.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/mercury/src/title.htm
National Institutes of Health: Mad as a Hatter - Campaign for a Mercury-Free
NIH
orf.od.nih.gov/nomercuryhome.htm
