Mercury is a dangerous, often unrecognized hazard, commonly found at work, home and schools. The Campaign for a 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 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.

Resources and Information

Assistance with Mercury Spills

Mercury Health Hazards

Mercury Contamination in Facilities

Q's and A's

Additional Information

Assistance at NIH

Why at NIH?

For questions concerning the content of this website contact our campaign director. Please do not send communications to this website concerning personal medical  or dental issues relating to mercury.  Because of restrictions in the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C  552a) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, (HIPAA) (Public Law 104- 191) this website cannot receive, transmit or store protected information.