What is the problem with mercury thermometers?
Mercury is a toxic substance that can harm both humans and wildlife. Many different products, including thermometers, contain mercury. Do thermometers really contain enough mercury to affect the environment? Yes. If a mercury thermometer is disposed in the regular garbage and that garbage is burned in an incinerator, mercury vapors will be released into the air. Mercury in garbage that is landfilled can seep into the groundwater or can be released into the air as a toxic vapor. Airborne mercury eventually falls to the earth, often into rivers and lakes. What are alternatives to mercury? Several types of alternative thermometers are available commercially. These include: • Digital thermometers • Glass gallium-indium-tin (galinstan) thermometers • Flexible “forehead” thermometers • Ear canal thermometers Additional Information If you have any additional questions after reading the information given, please contact Ann Miller at 717-783-8411.
