Mercury Reduction Case Studies Mercury Management at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

The following case study was written by David H. Senjem, Environmental Safety Coordinator, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.   Mayo's management of mercury in the medical environment has evolved over time. Mercury batteries were first collected for referral to a California-based reprocessing center in 1978. A strong emphasis has existed since the mid-1970s on collecting and commercially disposing of mercury-containing laboratory wastes through Mayo's hazardous waste program. Specialized mercury vacuum cleaners were first purchased in the 1970s to ensure that mercury spills were effectively and safely managed.   In more recent years, institutional interest in mercury management has led to even more aggressive actions. Mercury thermometers have been removed from Mayo's 1,500 outpatient examination rooms and replaced with electronic devices. Mercury-containing sphygmomanometers were replaced with mercury-free devices in all hospital areas. Laboratory test procedures have been re-evaluated for mercury use with an emphasis on substitution, whenever possible, and strict attention to disposal management when not possible. Used mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs are collected and disposed of through a commercial vendor who recovers and recycles mercury.   Efforts continue to further investigate and reduce the presence of mercury in the Mayo environment. Examples of such efforts include the incorporation of heavy metal analysis in certain product purchases and similar evaluations in certain large components of Mayo's incinerated waste stream. Additionally, there are continuing educational efforts to sensitize staff on avoidance of the use of mercury or mercury-containing materials, whenever possible, and especially when alternative choices are available.

Case Studies Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York F.F. Thompson Hospital, Canandaigua, New York Case Studies of Mercury Pollution Prevention Measures in Michigan Health Care Institutions Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)/Medical, Academic and Scientific Community Organization (MASCO) Mercury Work Group Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth, Minnesota Related Topics: Why is mercury a problem? The background and health effects of mercury, as well as the benefits of mercury pollution prevention. How to establish mercury pollution prevention in your hospital. How to get started, gather data, establish goals, institute best management practices, and measure and document success. Best management practices for mercury-containing products in the hospital A description of all the products and locations where mercury is used in your hospital, and what alternatives exist for reducing mercury use. Bibliography Citations for books, articles, and reports that support the information in this section.

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