The damage this substance are neurological affectations infertility, abortions, irritability, dizziness, depression, feelings of fatigue, among other
The Mexico City government started the program to replace mercury-containing medical devices to prevent damage to the environment and health.
The intention is to replace in 2010 the total thermometers containing mercury and Blood Pressure in 28 city hospitals, for digital devices that do not use this substance.
The health secretary, Armando Ahued, stated that seven day break thermometers in the health services of the Federal District, which represents a risk to health and the environment, as well as hospital staff and patients.
He explained that the damage produced by this substance, ranging from neurological affectations to infertility and abortions in women.
In addition irritability, dizziness, depression, feelings of fatigue, brain damage and loss of memory.
He explained that the mercury when in contact with air is oxidized and produces a gas that can be absorbed up to 80%, causing long-term development of these diseases.
The replacement program started in mercury and Tacubaya Paediatric Hospital, National Institute of Pediatrics and the Hospital Federico Gomez.
Armando Ahued noted that with this initiative, the Federal District joins the call by the World Health Organization and the NGO Health Care without Harm, who since 2005 promoting this initiative.
The Federal District is the third city in the world to join this program after Buenos Aires, Argentina and New Delhi, India.
The local Ministry of Environment will be responsible for collecting the mercury to make a final disposal, since this substance is highly toxic and can pollute the water but is given the right treatment.
blood pressure monitoring kit, mercury in medical devicesTags: Blood Pressure, health, hospitals, mercury, neurological, blood pressure monitoring kit, mercury in medical devices