Resources
Databases and videos
Mercury vapor visibility experiment footage
Video of toxic vapors from mercury spills from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). This video documents an experiment conducted by BGSU, Ohio EPA, and Rader Environmental Services. Toxic mercury vapors can not be seen with the naked eye. However, mercury vapors can create a shadow when placed between a short-wave ultraviolet light source and a fluorescent background.
View video here: http://wbgustream.bgsu.edu/bgsu/epa/index-fl.html
Mercury Products Database
Relational database that provides information on the mercury content of products used in facilities including clinical and research laboratories. Go to: "View a Specific Compound Test" and click on a specific product for measurements of mercury levels. Searches on specific products and alternatives can be carried out as well.
http://masco.netcasters.com/mercury
Health Care Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specification Database
Database of specifications and policies for EPP from multiple institutions in Massachusetts.
http://www.mass.gov/envir/ota/resources/epp.htm
Mercury and the Healthcare Professional. 1997.
17-minute video by Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance. Contact Emily Moore, (800) 877-6300.
Managing your medwaste for a healthier bottom line
Online video and transcript from Kentucky Pollution Center. Over a dozen clips downloadable for viewing.
http://www.kppc.org/Publications/Videos/healthcare.cfm
Agents of Change: Mercury Waste Solutions
Video available from the American Hospital Association, 800-AHA-2626.
Sample Policies
Sample Mercury-Free Purchasing Policy
Download: Sample mercury-free policy
General
Mercury Compounds in Drugs and Foods
http://www.fda.gov/cber/genadmin/merclst.htm
http://www.fda.gov/cder/fdama/mercuryreport.htm
Becoming a Mercury-Free Facility: A Priority to Be Achieved by the Year 2000
Text by Hollie Shaner of the Nightingale Institute for Health and the Environment may be ordered directly from the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services, American Hospital Association, (800) 242-2626, or go to: "Publications and Articles" at the Web site.
Mercury in the Health Care Sector: The Cost of Alternative Products
Nov. 1996. Pollution Probe, Toronto, ON Canada, (416) 926-1907.
http://www.pollutionprobe.org/Publications/Mercury.htm
Waste Reduction Activities For Hospitals
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/bizwaste/factsheets/hospital.htm
Pharmaceutical Waste
Managing Pharmaceutical Waste - What Pharmacists Should Know. Smith,C. Journal of Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, Nov/Dec 2002 outlines regulatory and environmental concerns for pharmaceutical waste stream including proposal for a comprehensive waste management plan.