Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. The U.S. EPA ranks the health care sector as the fourth-largest source of mercury air emissions, due to by products of medical waste incinerators. Mercury is found in thermometers, blood pressure devices, lab chemicals, cleaners and other products used in health care.

More than 1,400 health care facilities in the U.S. have pledged to become mercury free, and the Hospitals for a Healthy Environment program has a goal to virtually eliminate mercury from the health care waste stream by the year 2006.