ANVISA: Use of mercury is prohibited in health products
Prohibition became effective as of January 1, 2019. Measure is the result of the Minamata convention.
The manufacture, importation and commercialization of thermometers and pressure meters that use a column of mercury for health diagnosis is prohibited. The measure also includes a ban on the use of such equipment in health services, which will have to dispose of the solid waste containing mercury, according to the norms defined by Anvisa (Resolution of the Collegiate Board of Directors – RDC 306/2004) and Environmental Bodies (Federal and State ).
The measure was defined by the Resolution of Collegiate Board of Directors – RDC 145/2017, and entered into force on Tuesday (1/1). The prohibition of thermometers and sphygmomanometers, as technically called mercury column pressure meters, is a result of the Minamata Convention. The convention was signed by Brazil and 140 countries in 2013 and aims to eliminate the use of mercury in different products such as batteries, lamps and health equipment, among others.
For more information go to ANVISA