5180.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 3:35 PM

Abstract #12151

Mercury pollution prevention in Boston hospitals: A case study in leadership

Bill Ravanesi, MA, MPH, Health Care Without Harm, 52 Washington Park, Boston, MA 02160, 617-244-2891, ravanesi@mediaone.net

In the previous decade, Boston area hospitals were responsible for significant mercury emissions to both air and water. Within the last few years strides have been made to reduce iatrogenic mercury, as evidenced by approximately 85% of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's (MWRA) mercury compliance samples from hospitals being in compliance with the Safe Harbor Program.

This brief overview will explore some of the innovative mercury pollution prevention programs in 3-4 leading Boston area hospitals including how they were accomplished, who facilitated the efforts, and what outside resources were available to these hospitals. The newly formed Healthcare Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Network in Boston will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: Describe 2 to 3 innovative mercury reduction programs in Boston-area hospitals; and, Identify outside resources available to hospitals interested in implementing mercury pollution prevention programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA