Stručni rad
EXPOSURE OF NURSES TO MERCURY FROM BROKEN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Nataša Janev Holcer
; Škola narodnog zdravlja "Andrija Štampar", Zagreb, Hrvatska
Asija Delalic
; Klinička bolnica Dubrava, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
SUMMARY: Mercury is a metal toxic to humans. In spite of these known facts and adverse health effects, mercury continues to be used in various medical devices such as thermometers and sphygmomanometers, and in laboratories.
During 2009, a survey was conducted at the University Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, in order to estimate the possibility of occupational mercury exposure among hospital nurses using mercury-based medical equipment (thermometers and sphygmomanometers).
Thirty one nurses working in different hospital wards were interviewed on their familiarity with the facts concerning mercury toxicity, on the handling of and exposure to broken mercury-based medical equipment and on their preferences regarding the use of certain equipment type, i.e. mercury-based or electronically operated.
It was found that all interviewed hospital nurses are exposed to mercury from broken equipment and all are aware of its toxicity. Nevertheless, most prefer mercury-based equipment over electronically operated one because it is more precise and accurate, and because of the lack of technical support and education in the maintenance of electronic equipment.
Health and safety at work are issues affecting both employers and employees regardless of professional background. Nowadays, the implementation of an occupational health and safety system is a requirement imposed by law in many countries. To improve health conditions at work, all hospitals in Croatia should implement procedures and follow guidelines for worker and employer protection. The results of the survey indicate that future research on occupational mercury exposure among hospital nurses using mercury-based medical equipment is “a must”.
Ključne riječi
nurses; mercury; medical equipment; occupational exposure; safety at work
Hrčak ID:
75017
URI
Datum izdavanja:
19.12.2011.
Posjeta: 2.910 *