Sphygmomanometers

Many sphygmomanometers contain mercury, the silvery liquid that rises in the glass column when the instrument is in use. A mercury sphygmomanometer contains 100 - 200 grams of mercury (compared to a mercury thermometer, with less than three grams.)

In King County, it is illegal to put mercury-containing products, including sphygmomanometers, in the garbage or to dispose of them at transfer stations. Disposal information is provided below. In Washington State, it is illegal to buy new sphygmomanometers that contain mercury. Sales ban information is below.

A publication Reduce the Risk of Mercury-containing Sphygmomanometers (PDF, 199 KB) (Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, 2006) provides more information.

Mercury-free sphygmomanometers

Mercury-free sphygmomanometers are recommended because they reduce the risk of patient/worker exposure. In addition, mercury-free sphygmomanometers create no environmental contamination if they break or when they are ultimately disposed. Mercury-free devices include aneroid sphygmomanometers, which use the motion of bellows, and electronic sphygmomanometers, which use a solid state pressure sensor.

King County’s Voucher Incentive Program reimburses half the cost of replacing mercury sphygmomanometers with non-mercury alternatives (up to $500 total rebate.)

Calibration issues exist for all types of sphygmomanometers, including mercury. The report "Comparing Mercury and Aneroid Sphygmomanometers" (Sustainable Hospitals) concludes that aneroid sphygmomanometers—compared to mercury sphygmomanometers—are just as accurate and reliable, are easier to use, are the same cost and pose significantly less environmental risk. Health Care Without Harm has a number of articles on the reliability of various types of sphygmomanometers.

Ban on sale

The Washington State Mercury Education Reduction Act (Revised Code of Washington 70.95) makes it illegal for suppliers to sell mercury-containing sphygmomanometers in Washington State as of January 1, 2006. Clinics may continue to use mercury sphygmomanometers already in use but may not purchase new mercury sphygmomanometers.

Disposal

In King County, it is illegal to put mercury-containing products in the garbage, trash or ‘Red Bag’ (biomedical waste).

The following manufacturers will accept mercury sphygmomanometers for recycling (some will take old sphygmomanometers only in exchange for replacement purchases):

American Diagnostic Corporation 631-273-9600
Trimline Medical Products 1-800-526-3538 (Toll free)
W.A. Baum Co. 1-888-281-6061 (toll free)
Welch Allyn Medical Products 315-685-4100

Mercury sphygmomanometers may also be recycled or managed through a mercury reclamation facility or a hazardous waste management company

Cash rebates for mercury-free devices

King County’s Voucher Incentive Program reimburses half the costs a business incurs--up to $500 total rebate--to reduce waste or prevent pollution. Replacing mercury sphygmomanometers with non-mercury alternatives qualifies for this voucher. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 to get started.

Preventing spills with lever locks

Clinics that use W.A. Baum’s #33 wall-mounted units can prevent breakage and expensive mercury spills by installing a lever lock at the top of the glass mercury cartridge tube. The lock prevents tampering with the cartridge release lever and accidental release of mercury. The lever locks are free from W.A. Baum Co. 888-281-6061 (toll free) or info@wabaum.com.

For more information contact Taylor Watson, Health and Environmental Investigator, at taylor.watson@kingcounty.gov.