European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Zero Mercury Working Group and Health Care Without Harm Europe has launched the report “Turning up the pressure: Phasing out mercury sphygmomanometers for professional use".

The report demonstrates that the transition to mercury-free measuring devices including sphygmomanometers (sphygmos) in hospitals is technologically and economically feasible. Many hospitals in the EU have already implemented this change since suitable mercury-free alternatives are currently available on the market. Countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland have already made the switch.

Mercury-containing sphygmos have long been considered as the ‘gold standard’ by the medical profession. Nevertheless, the European Commission is in the process of reviewing the availability of reliable safer mercury-free alternatives and if appropriate, will present a legislative proposal to extend restrictions for relevant identified uses by October 2009.

Press release

Report: “Turning up the pressure: Phasing out mercury sphygmomanometers for professional us"