Argentina moves to rid its hospitals of mercury

Argentine hospitals and clinics can no longer buy thermometers and blood-pressure gauges containing mercury under an order signed by Health Minister Graciela Ocaña. The new policy, announced and implemented last month, puts Argentina in sync with recommendations made by the World Health Organization, which has warned that health facilities are a leading source of mercury contamination. Still unresolved by the minister’s order is what the health industry will do with existing equipment containing mercury. The order calls for the creation of a professionals’ group to address that issue and for training health professionals in the handling of mercury waste. “Mercury is a heavy metal with high potential for impact in ecosystems,” Ocaña’s order states. “The risks from exposure to heavy metals are considered among... [Log in to read more]

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