Call to ban mercury thermometers

WITH new research showing that even low exposure to mercury can damage the brain of unborn children, Ireland should move swiftly to ban mercury-filled thermometers and other scientific devices using the highly toxic substance, an expert said yesterday.

Michael McKeon, a nursing lecturer at Dublin City University (DCU), said more public information on how women could protect themselves and their children from this potent neurotoxin was also needed.

Mr McKeon, a guest speaker at a conference in Dublin yesterday organised by the Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association (IDEA), pointed out that just one mercury-filled thermometer could contaminate fish in a 20-acre lake.

“We would like to see Ireland prohibit mercury in measuring devices including those used in health care, such as blood pressure devices and thermometers,” he said.

“Pharmacies should also stop selling mercury-filled thermometers to unsuspecting parents who do not realise that they can be easily broken and can contaminate the home,” he said.

Mercury has long been recognised as a major source of toxicity in children causing reduced cognitive functioning, including a low IQ.

Earlier this year Dutch paediatrician Gavin ten Tusscher said they were now seeing that even low exposure levels can cause damage to the developing brain of a foetus and infant.

Results of a small-scale study in 20 European countries, including Ireland, found that 95% of women of childbearing age have detectable levels of mercury in their bodies.

Mr McKeon is currently conducting a survey of nurses to detail mercury use in health care settings in Ireland. While a number of hospitals have stopped using mercury filled devices, they are still available in some health centres, doctors surgeries and from pharmacies.