Reducing Mercury Use in Health Care

Monroe County Health Department, New York

Program Description	The University of Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital and Eastman Dental Center conducted successful mercury pollution prevention programs and, with the Monroe County Health Department, developed educational programs and materials. A manual for hospitals and booklet for dental offices were produced for use at other facilities. The hospital manual, Reducing Mercury Use in Health Care: Promoting a Healthier Environment, is available online, and the dental booklet is Appendix M of the manual.
Program Contact
Name	Carole Beal
Address	111 Westfall Rd.
City, State, Zip	Rochester, New York  14620
Phone	716-292-3935
E-mail
URL	http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/bnsdocs/merchealth
Groups Affected	Dental Clinics, Hospitals/Health Care Facilities
Type of Program	Collection Program, Education and Outreach, Publications, Website
Products Affected	Cleaning Products, Dental amalgam, Laboratory reagents, Lighting devices/lamps, Measuring devices, Pumps/Valves/Gauges, Switches, Thermostats
Program Results	The hospital made many mercury-free substitutions. Mercury products are recycled when substitution is not possible. The dental center educates staff on best management practices for handling and recycling of amalgam.
Source of Funding	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.