Mercury spill disrupts medical practices
OSHA Healthcare Connection, April 4, 2006
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A broken blood pressure gauge released mercury and forced the evacuation of two Lima, OH, doctors' offices on Thursday, March 23, reports The Lima News.
An employee of the Pediatric Center discovered the damaged instrument on the floor inside a closet. Firefighters ordered the 18 healthcare workers and patients, including those from nearby Lima Urology, to evacuate the building.
County health officials ordered the practices to remain closed until the following Monday when air testing could determine safe mercury levels.
On average, spilled mercury from a broken blood pressure gauge costs a healthcare facility $1,539 in cleanup costs, according to a 2002 Environmental Protection Agency report. The estimate does not include wages and lost revenue due to evacuation and the temporary cessation of services.
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