For curtailing the use of Mercury based thermometers/B.P. Apparatus, letters have been issued to (i) Pr. Secy. (Health), GNCT of Delhi (ii) Addl. Commissioner (Health), MCD (iii) Jt. Secy, Min. of Health, Government of India for issuance of suitable directions to the Directors/Medical Superintendents of Delhi Government Hospitals to reduce the mercury pollution.

Further a study is proposed to be conducted about the extent of mercury waste in Delhi and ways of disposal. The study shall also suggest suitable methodology to mitigate the problem of mercury. Proposal has been received from Dr. T.K.Joshi of Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health of Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, for submitting the proposal for conducting study on mercury.

Also , the Health Care Facilities have been directed to put up / display a template at the prominent locations for the commitment to minimize mercury waste. A public notice also issued in this regard on 02.05.2008 as reproduced below

PUBLIC NOTICE

Considering the adverse effects of Mercury Waste on the Environment , it has been decided that All Hospitals, Nursing Homes & Health Care Facilities in NCT of Delhi shall provide Template ( A set of Declarations , Format given below ) for Commitment to minimize / eliminate mercury containing waste .The Declarations have to be signed by the Head / Medical Superintendent / Director of the Health Care Establishments/ Institutions and displayed widely at various prominent locations in the Health Care Establishment. This is to be treated as a condition of authorization under the Bio Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, as amended to Date.

WHEREAS mercury is an elemental substance, that once released into the environment, easily and rapidly changes form to several organic and inorganic states that transfer from soil to air to water and back again;

WHEREAS the organic form of mercury, methylmercury, bioaccumulates in aquatic ecosystems to magnify concentrations in animal tissue in increasing degrees up to 250,000 times;

WHEREAS methylmercury, the most toxic form of mercury, can affect the reproductive efforts of top predators in aquatic environments;

WHEREAS the neurotoxic effects of high levels of methylmercury poisoning in humans has been established, and low-level doses of methylmercury consumption can potentially effect human health, especially that of a fetus;

WHEREAS elemental mercury is a highly toxic substance which can vaporize easily and cause both acute and chronic health effects including severe respiratory irritation and damage to the central nervous system;

WHEREAS mercury has been identified internationally as a toxic substance of concern, and mercury contamination has led to fish consumption advisories in many countries,

WHEREAS the majority of mercury entering water bodies comes from anthropogenic sources, and one-quarter of these emissions are the result of the purposeful use of mercury;

WHEREAS mercury is used widely in consumer and industrial products, where, in most cases, alternative, mercury-free products are available;

WHEREAS pollution prevention or product substitution is a progressive approach to protecting the environment that eliminates or minimizes the generation of mercury-bearing waste, making it one of the most favorable strategies for maintaining a clean environment;

WHEREAS pollution prevention for mercury can help environmental conditions, as well as protect the health and safety of workers;

WHEREAS we here by declare to adopt safe mercury handling Standard International Procedure so as to collect ,store the mercury spilled in a suitable container without affecting the occupational health , or environment .