| Group of 4 hospitals, 750 physicians |
A formal policy that replaces mercury-containing thermometers and sphygmomameters with electrical devices where medically acceptable and feasible has been instituted by Genesys Health System, as well as a purchasing policy that allows only mercury-free items to be purchased. Also in effect is a goal to eliminate clinical lab procedures that contain mercury. Currently, the health system laboratory removes mercury from the waste stream by precipitating and filtering out the material. The wastes are then separated and mercury waste recycle by reusing the material on site, or sending it to a mercury recovering company.
Genesys Health System has devised programs to train its employees on spill response and spill prevention and management that properly clean up mercury spills in accordance with applicable regulations, as well as to evaluate fluorescent tubing. An Environmental Control Advisory Committee within Genesys has formed an Environmental Control Policy stressing reduction of waste into the environment. The committee has also provided education materials concerning mercury pollution prevention to staff people.
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