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Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

ORF Home > Environmental Protection > Mercury-Free Campaign

NIH i s Mercury-Free



NIH is Mercury-Free

Mercury is a dangerous, often unrecognized hazard, commonly found at work, home and schools. Mercury Free NIH seeks to eliminate all unnecessary uses of mercury in the NIH facilities; encourage use of safer alternatives in biomedical research; increase general awareness of mercury hazards; and prevent mercury spills and pollution.

NIH-Wide Restrictions on Mercury

The purchase, use, and disposal of mercury is regulated at the NIH. Employees must follow NIH Policy Manual 3033-Procurement, Use, and Disposal of Mercury and its Compounds. The purchase of mercury, mercury containing equipment, etc., require a written justification submitted to the Division of Environmental Protection for approval.

Occupational Health Hazards in Biomedical Facilities
The most common potential mode of occupational exposure to mercury in biomedical facilities is probably via inhalation of vapors. If not cleaned up properly, spills of even small amounts of elemental mercury, such as may result from breakage of thermometers, can contaminate indoor air above recommended limits and lead to serious health consequences. Even small amounts of mercury can be spread rapidly, contaminating large areas and systems above safe levels, and contamination can persist for long periods of time without detection. 

Older facilities can the most common places where mercury was widely used.  Often spilled mercury is only revealed during renovation and demolition activities that expose areas under equipment, floor tiles and in plumbing systems. 

In any case of spill or exposure, dial 911

You can contact the Division of Environmental Protection at 301-496-7990.

Have Questions? Visit the Q's and A's page or reach out to Crispin Hernandez (crispin.hernandez@nih.gov)

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This page was last updated on May 28, 2026