The governments of Albania, Burkina Faso, India, Montenegro, and Uganda have launched a major initiative to combat chemical pollution. Today, these countries announced a $134 million project to eliminate mercury from medical devices.
Mercury is commonly found in medical thermometers and sphygmomanometers (blood pressure devices). While intact devices pose no risk, broken ones release mercury into the environment. This mercury can vaporize, endangering healthcare workers and patients. Inhalation of mercury fumes can damage the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, and spills can contaminate facilities and wastewater.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads this project, with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and execution by the World Health Organization (WHO). The project, “Phasing out mercury measuring devices in healthcare,” will develop strategies to stop the import, export, and manufacture of mercury-containing devices. This includes changing procurement and supply chains, training medical staff, raising public awareness, and improving waste management.
“This initiative is significant, not just for protecting our well-being but because it reduces the impact of healthcare on our shared environment,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division.
Over five years, the project will help Albania, Burkina Faso, Montenegro, and Uganda adopt international best practices. This includes educating procurement officers on alternative devices and raising awareness among manufacturers and the public, following WHO guidelines and the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Digital thermometers can be up to one-third cheaper than mercury ones over their lifecycle, while maintaining the same clinical accuracy.
Dr. Anta Zida, Director of Public Hygiene at Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, emphasized the importance of reforming the healthcare sector to meet international standards. “Eliminating medical devices containing mercury in healthcare facilities is saving lives and protecting the environment,” she said.
Dr. Maria Neira, Director of Climate Change, Environment, and Health at WHO, highlighted the healthcare sector’s role in promoting sustainability. “This project will demonstrate the important leadership role that the sector has in promoting sustainability,” she said.
The project aims to phase out mercury devices at a rate of 20% per year, reducing mercury spills by 23,350 kg and benefiting over 1.8 million people.
