Mercury Reduction How to Establish Mercury Pollution Prevention in Your Hospital Measure, Document, and Advertise Success

Evaluate the status of the mercury pollution prevention program Measurement of success is a vital component of pollution prevention that allows the hospital staff and the community to realize the effectiveness of the program. Start by repeating the mercury source identification that was done at the beginning of the program. If it is not practical to repeat every measurement, select a few good indicators from the table to track from year to year. If possible, take wastewater samples or have them taken by an independent testing laboratory so that the total mercury discharge can be calculated and compared with the baseline assessment.   Note the sources and quantities of mercury that have been eliminated. Compute the costs or savings to the hospital of the substitution of mercury-free products purchased since the baseline assessment. Quantify and document new policies or changes to former policies since the baseline assessment if they are related to mercury pollution prevention.   The hospital should realize a reduction in: Mercury products purchased, used and stored Mercury spill incidents Quantity of mercury shipped off-site for recycling or disposal, and associated costs Mercury concentration in wastewater and in incinerator ash, because mercury is not being improperly disposed Document the reductions and prepare periodic progress reports about your mercury pollution prevention achievements.     Advertise Success List entities inside and outside of the hospital who should share in the good news of your success. Develop a communication plan that includes both formal reports and informal updates on progress.   Communicate with: The hospital board of directors through an annual report that describes accomplishments, upcoming actions and expected outcomes.   Other hospitals through hospital association meetings and mailings.   Employees through individual letters, departmental letters that can be read at meetings, a hospital newsletter or posters. Go beyond a progress report and include congratulations and awards for employees who have made useful suggestions for reducing mercury.   Local officials, such as wastewater treatment plant officials and the health department, through formal letters.   The general public through press releases, stories in local newspapers, participation in health and environmental fairs, and pamphlets or posters available for doctors' offices.

How to establish mercury pollution prevention in your hospital Get Started Gather Data Establish Realistic Goals and Implementation Plans Institute Best Management Practices Measure, Document, and Advertise Success Related Topics: Case Studies Share the experiences of hospitals and clinics that are working to reduce mercury. Why is mercury a problem? The background and health effects of mercury, as well as the benefits of mercury pollution prevention. 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.

How to Establish Mercury Pollution Prevention in Your Hospital   Mercury Reduction   R E G I S T E R     G L O S S A R Y     F E E D B A C K     S I T E  M A P     H O M E

Copyright © 1998 Sustainable Hospitals / Lowell Center for Sustainable Production All rights reserved. Images copyright © 1998 PhotoDisc, Inc.