Need to use mercury-free devices: Expert

The mercury controversy was the main topic of discussion on the second day of the 21st national conference of Hypertension Society on Sunday. The conference was inaugurated by chief guest Dr S S Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, on Saturday evening.

Dr G S Wander spoke on the topic of mercury controversy. He elaborated on the ongoing controversy regarding the use of mercury in medical devices like the blood pressure measuring instruments. He threw light on the existing sources of mercury in the medical industry, its toxic effects on mankind and environment, and also brought forth the data on alternative mercury-free, blood pressure monitoring instruments. He said that taking cue from European countries which have now adopted a policy of using mercury-free medical devices, a serious consideration should be given to slowly introduce such safe devices into clinical practice.

Other scientific sessions included a lecture by Dr Shashank Joshi on metabolic syndrome where he highlighted the importance of healthy lifestyle in prevention of various cardiac diseases.

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