Neelanjana: Consumer Voice Lead Health New Delhi
Dr Manoj : Assistant Professor Department of Chemistry, Christ University
Dr.Anitha Vergis: Head of the Department Chemistry, Christ University at press meet held at press club of Bengaluru
Bengaluru, India — Public health specialists, environmental advocates, and consumer rights groups have issued a strong call for the complete phase-out of mercury-based thermometers and sphygmomanometers in India, citing serious health and environmental hazards. The appeal came during a panel discussion hosted by Consumer VOICE and the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI) at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.
Experts cautioned that while mercury devices are safe when intact, broken or improperly disposed of instruments release toxic vapours that can harm the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, and contaminate the environment. Drawing lessons from the mercury contamination incident in Kodaikanal, Dr. Dennis Xavier, Professor and Head of Pharmacology at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, stressed the dangers of mercury exposure and the importance of safe handling and disposal.
India, a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, is working with the Ministries of Health and Environment and WHO India to eliminate mercury-based medical devices and promote digital and aneroid alternatives. The World Health Organization ranks mercury among the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, especially dangerous for children, unborn babies, and nursing infants.
A 2011 Toxics Link report estimated that around eight tonnes of mercury are released in India each year from medical measuring devices—69% from blood pressure monitors and the rest from thermometers—largely due to unsafe disposal.
Dr. Lalitha of M.S. Ramaiah Medical College warned that mercury exposure during pregnancy or lactation poses serious risks to future generations. Former Karnataka State Pollution Control Board officer Dr. B. Nagappa urged all healthcare facilities to strictly follow mercury spill protocols, train staff, and adopt safer alternatives.
Environmental activist Akshay Heblikar and Consumer VOICE’s Nilanjana Bose highlighted the need for households to follow the healthcare sector’s lead in switching to mercury-free devices, which are now accurate, affordable, and widely available.
“This movement empowers people to safeguard both public health and the environment,” said S.J. Chander, CEO of FSHI.
Understanding Mercury: Protecting Our Health and Environment
Date: 12th August, 2025
Venue: CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Room no. 529, 5th floor, R and D block, Bangalore Central Campus
Registration& Tea ; 10.00 am to 10.15 am
Inaugural Session: 10.15 am to 11. 00 am
Invocation:
Watering the plants : Dignitaries
Welcome Address: Dr. Anitha Varghese, HoD, Dept. of Chemistry,
Christ (Deemed to be University)
Opening Remaks: Ms Anu Agarawal Consultant WHO India (tbc)
Setting the Tone: India’s Commitment to the Minamata Convention :
Ms Nilanjana Bose, Consumer Voice
Key note Address: Dr. Dennis Xavier, Prof. & HoD, Dept. of Pharmacology,
St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences
Presidential Address: Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar, Christ (Deemed be University)
Vote of Thanks:
Panel Discussion
11:15 – 12:30 PM
Moderator:
Dr. Manoj, Asst Prof. Dept of Chemistry, Christ (Deemed to be University)
Panellists
Public Health Challenges of Mercury
Dr Lalitha K. Prof and HoD. Dept of Community Medicine
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
Environmental Impact of Mercury and its prevention & mitigation
Mr. Akshay Heblikar, Director, Eco Watch
Challenges in disposal of Mercury
Dr. B. Nagappa, Former Senior Scientific Officer, KSPCB
Social Mobilization for Prevention
S. J. Chander, CEO, Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI)
Q&A Session
Concluding Remarks by Moderator
Pledge: Commitment to Use Mercury-Safe Products
All Participants
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