Punjab, November, 2025: The Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) has ordered a complete phase-out of all mercury-based medical equipment across government and private healthcare facilities in the state.
The comprehensive directive bans the procurement and use of mercury in devices like thermometers, sphygmomanometers, and dental amalgams.
The PHSC Managing Director has directed all medical facilities in Punjab to adopt mercury-free alternatives immediately. Hospitals and clinics must submit a complete inventory of their mercury-based equipment to the PHSC within 30 days.
To ensure safety until final disposal, all existing mercury items must be labeled as "Hazardous: Mercury Waste - Do Not Handle." The state has designated Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd, Nimbua, Mohali, as an authorized treatment, storage, and disposal facility for mercury waste.
The order warns that strict action will be taken against any hospital or clinic violating the directive under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
"Punjab now joins states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi which have already transitioned to mercury-free alternatives," said a senior functionary of the PHSC in a statement to Medical Buyer.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water, and soil. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers mercury as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern.
The health consequences of mercury exposure are severe and wide-ranging:
Kidney and Nervous System Damage
Skin Problems
Fetal Danger: Exposure to methylmercury poses serious risks to unborn children
Neurological Disorders: Symptoms include tremors, insomnia, memory loss, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction
Neuromuscular Effects: Motor dysfunction and coordination problems
Kidney Failure: Effects range from increased protein in urine to complete kidney failure
Workers exposed to elemental mercury levels of 20 μg/m³ or more in air for several years can show mild, subclinical signs of central nervous system toxicity.
Mercury has been traditionally used in medical devices, especially thermometers and blood-pressure measurement devices. These instruments represent a significant hazard in terms of both breakage and long-term disposal.
According to WHO, human exposure occurs mainly through inhalation of elemental mercury vapors, an exposure that is entirely preventable with safe and effective mercury-free alternatives.
The environmental impact of mercury from medical devices is staggering:
An average-sized hospital in India releases approximately 3 kg of elemental mercury into the environment annually
In the United Kingdom, 7.41 tonnes of mercury from dental amalgam are discharged annually to sewers, atmosphere, or land, with another 11.5 tonnes sent for recycling or disposed with clinical waste
Mercury from dental amalgam and medical devices accounts for approximately 53% of total mercury emissions
A city like Delhi would release around 51 kg of mercury each year through dental practices alone, with very conservative estimates 1
One of the worst industrial disasters in history serves as a stark warning about mercury's dangers. The Chisso Corporation, a fertilizer and petrochemical company, polluted Minamata Bay, Japan, with mercury compounds from 1932 to 1968. Over 3,000 people suffered various deformities, severe mercury poisoning symptoms, or death from what became known as Minamata disease. 1
The transition away from mercury-based medical equipment is both practical and necessary. Modern alternatives include:
Digital Thermometers: Accurate, fast, and safe replacements for mercury thermometers
Aneroid Sphygmomanometers: Mechanical blood pressure devices without mercury
Digital Blood Pressure Monitors: Electronic devices offering precise readings
Mercury-Free Dental Fillings: are safe and effective alternatives to traditional dental amalgam.
These alternatives are not only safer for patients, healthcare workers, and the environment but often provide more accurate and convenient measurements.
1. Rustagi N, Singh R. Mercury and health care. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2010;14(2):45-48. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.72240
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