The investigator was very concerned that he would not be able to continue to participate in the study, and requested that exceptions be made. Because Hartford Hospital had incurred such a great expense related to the previous mercury spills related to these instruments, the industrial hygiene department was able to justify a complete switchover to mercury-free technology in the hospital. The investigator has agreed to use the aneroid technology for the time being. Most alternatives are also faster and easier to use. The following table shows the accuracy required by the ASTM standards for mercury in glass and electronic thermometers.
Many thermometers read out to a smaller division than the accuracy of the thermometer itself.
Contributed by Catherine Galligan. We seek contributions concerning all material management and contracting practices in health care that have environmental, health, or safety benefits. Please contact us if you have comments or questions, would like to submit material for the next issue, would like to subscribe or receive this electronically, or require an alternative format. Distribution costs for this bulletin are currently covered by grants from the US EPA and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.