Though mercury is well-known for its dangerous properties, you can still find it in doctor's offices, dental offices, and more. Mercury can have serious effects on your health if mishandled. Let's take a look at how Mercury needs to be handled in your facility.

Let's Take a Look at Mercury

Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is a heavy metal that is used in a variety of applications in business and personal matters. Though it is effective for use in thermometers, fluorescent lamps, and other items, the use of mercury is diminishing as the years go on. Mercury poisoning can be caused through ingestion, inhalation of vapor-based mercury, and from exposure to mercury in a water-soluble form. The symptoms of mercury poisoning include poor coordination, muscle weakness, numbness within your hands/feet, skin reactions, memory problems, anxiety, and problems with vision, hearing, and sight. To avoid mercury poisoning, you'll need to employ safety procedures when handling and disposing of this material.

Mercury Regulations in The United States

There are several laws that are in effect that govern the handling and disposal of mercury, or dental amalgam. The Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act all address the way we handle mercury in our environment. The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act was responsible for taking mercury out of batteries back in the 90's as well. All of these regulations are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency and have major implications for doctor's offices or other facilities that use mercury-containing equipment.

Handling Mercury in Your Office

If you have fluorescent lighting, as so many offices do, you'll need to dispose of those bulbs with special consideration when the time comes. Regulating the amount of mercury within our environment is exceptionally important for the health and happiness of everyone who lives on planet Earth.

Call on BWS Incorporated to Handle Your Mercury

Whether you have mercury-containing equipment, fluorescent lighting, or anything else you need to dispose of, we can help you. Remember, your waste is your problem until it is destroyed, even when it is no longer at your facility. You need to partner with a medical waste company that you can count on to handle your waste safely. Contact us today for more information on our process.  

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