Disposal of Mercury
polygonum wrote:
On Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:49:32 +0100, Bob Eager wrote: On Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:48:46 +0100, newshound wrote: When I had my last "work" medical, the consultant was lamenting the fact that she wasn't allowed to use a mercury sphygmomanometer at NHS hospitals any more and had had to go over to an electronic one, which she regarded as a poor substitute. My GP (who is pretty 'up to date') prefers a mercury one and still uses such. Pity the people who maintain them: Description: A 37-year-old man worked for up to 60hr a week for 3yr in a small, hot, poorly ventilated room (volume 140 cu.m (approx)). He spent 5-10% of his time repairing sphygmomanometers containing mercury. For a year he complained of worsening neuropsychiatric symptoms including tremor, forgetfulness and irritability. A 24-hour urine collection showed mercury conc of 200 nmol/mmol creatinine (400microg/g). As his urinary mercury conc fell to more normal values his symptoms improved. 3 other workers working in the same premises were also found to have elevated urinary mercury levels, but no symptoms. Examination of the premises showed contamination of work surfaces. Decontamination was tried, but 6mo afterwards an environmental survey showed levels in the workshop to be 6 to 10 times the recommended limit. Other sphygmomanometer workshops in Scotland were examined and similar deficiencies found. In 2 premises work was prohibited until the deficiencies had been remedied. http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/document?...hygmomanometer 37-year-old man worked for up to 60hr a week for 3yr in a small, hot, poorly ventilated room (volume 140 cu.m (approx)). ...... ....Symptoms including tremor, forgetfulness and irritability. well, irrespective of the mercury I AM NOT SURPRISED. -- Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc-ra-cy) €“ a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers. |
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