This can place formal restrictions on mercury- containing products, and outline specific emergency procedures in case of breakage of existing products. Check with your purchasing department. It is of little use to remove mercury from the hospital if there are no policies preventing the acquisition of additional items. Remember - as a medical facility you hold the trust of the public and have a unique opportunity to distribute reliable information. Use this opportunity to share these facts about mercury with your staff and patients.
People bring in old mercury thermometers in exchange for a new digital, non-mercury thermometer.
Distribute pamphlets about mercury and its effects. Use information you find on these pages or create your own designs. Have handouts readily available near the bulletin boards, waiting rooms, and exam rooms. Write an article on mercury and fish advisories for your newsletter, whether it is distributed to your patients and community, or to your staff.