The Applications, Hazardous and Mechanisms to Deal with Mercury in Hospitals: Statistical Questionnaire in some Hospitals in Damascus


Abstract in English

It is evident that mercury and its use in healthcare institutions have attracted the attention of academics, research centers and governments. This paper conducts a preliminary induction analysis of the awareness level of healthcare providers at some hospitals in Damascus about some key issues related to mercury. It employed the statistical approach mainly the random sampling method to answer its questions and fulfill its aims. The data obtained from questionnaires were processed by Excel. The paper found differences in awareness and training levels among healthcare providers with regards to methods of exposure and mercury transition to human body. It further identified sever weakness in testing and measuring the exposure of healthcare providers to mercury. The study pointed that there is an urgent need to train medical doctors and dentists with regards to the storage procedures of mercury and disposal methods of material and tools containing mercury. Finally, the research found that education efforts both at individual (personal) and aggregate (institutional) levels in all issues related to mercury are unsatisfactory.

References used

Environmental Protection Agency, (2002). “Eliminating Mercury in Hospitals - Environmental Best Practices for Health Care Facilities”. USA
Paranas Pranckevicius, (1999). “Wisconsin Mercury SourceBook” . Chapter title- Mercury Use : Hospital and Clinics. Environmental Protection Agency, USA
World Health Organization, (2005). “Mercury in Health Care”. Policy Paper

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