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In 1995, the U-M Medical Center mercury reduction efforts became a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), performed in settlement of an enforcement action brought by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). The objective of the SEP is to develop and disseminate information and methodologies for successful waste minimization and pollution prevention to other entities throughout Michigan and the United States. The mercury reduction section presents the proactive mercury reduction efforts achieved in U-M Medical Center facilities, and research and teaching laboratories. New waste minimization and pollution prevention initiatives will be added to this section as they are developed and successfully implemented. For more information on any of the topics in this section, please contact the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, or visit our Web site at www.oseh.umich.edu/. |
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Mercury is a naturally occurring element with
unique chemical and physical properties. The ability of mercury to bioaccumulate in the
environment makes it particularly hazardous to animals and humans. The University of
Michigan (U-M) has taken a proactive approach to reduce mercury containing equipment and
reagents in the U-M Medical Center, and in its teaching and research laboratories. The
mercury reduction efforts reduce the potential for discharges associated with the
prevalence of mercury in the environment.