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In a mercury thermometer, a glass tube is filled with mercury and a standard temperature scale is marked on the tube. With changes in temperature, the mercury expands and contracts, and the temperature can be read from the scale. Mercury thermometers can be used to determine body, liquid, and vapor temperature. Mercury thermometers are used in households, laboratory experiments, and industrial applications. Household Uses of Mercury ThermometersCommon household uses of mercury thermometers include fever thermometers and oven, candy, and meat thermometers. Fever ThermometersMercury fever thermometers are made of glass the size of a straw, with a silvery-white liquid inside. They are common in many households, schools, and medical facilities. There are two general types of mercury thermometers that measure body temperature:
Is There Mercury in My Thermometer?
Learn more about how to tell if there is mercury in your fever thermometer. Educational and Medical Uses of Mercury ThermometersMercury thermometers may be used in many applications, including chemical experiments, water and acid baths, blood banks, ovens, and incubators. Industrial Uses of Mercury ThermometersMercury thermometers are used in:
Phasing out Mercury Thermometers in Industrial and Laboratory SettingsEPA has launched an effort to reduce the use of mercury-filled non-fever thermometers used in industrial settings where suitable alternatives exist. As part of a partnership EPA developed with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NIST no longer provides calibration services for mercury thermometers. You can read more about the impact the decision will have in NIST’s February 2011 press release announcing the change.
To date, multiple ASTM standards have been updated to approve the use of mercury-free alternatives for temperature measurement. View a list of the updated ASTM standards. For more information about phasing out industrial mercury thermometers, visit EPA's Phasing Out of Mercury Thermometers Used in Industrial and Laboratory Settings page. Restrictions on Sales of Mercury Fever ThermometersSome states and municipalities have passed laws or ordinances barring the manufacture, sale and/or distribution of mercury fever thermometers. This is to help remove the threat of thermometer breakage and the subsequent release of mercury vapor indoors. At least 13 states – California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Washington – have passed such laws. The Health Care Without Harm website presents information on specific state laws, resolutions and declarations. Alternatives to Mercury Fever ThermometersA variety of accurate and reliable mercury-free fever thermometers are available at your local pharmacy. The most similar alternatives to mercury fever thermometers are battery- and solar-powered digital thermometers. These are similar to mercury thermometers in both price and use. These can all be used orally, rectally, or in the armpit. You should choose a thermometer that is easy to use and read. If you are choosing a battery-powered digital thermometer, choose one that contains a replaceable battery. Some of these thermometers do not have replaceable batteries. The battery is a button-cell battery and may contain a small amount of mercury, so it should be recycled with a hazardous waste collection program. You can use Earth911's Recycling Locator to find a mercury recycling center near you. Mercury Thermometer Cleanup and DisposalIf you break a thermometer while using it or if you improperly dispose of it, the thermometer will release mercury vapors that are harmful to human and ecological health.
Are mercury thermometers very accurate?Mercury thermometers provide accurate temperature readings and can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm. They don't require batteries.
How do I know if my oral thermometer is accurate?Insert the thermometer stem or probe 2″ into the center of the ice bath and stir gently for another 15 seconds, keeping the stem surrounded by the ice cubes and moving constantly. An accurate thermometer will read 32°F. Don't let the thermometer rest against the ice or you'll get a low reading.
Is mercury thermometer more accurate or digital?Both laboratory and clinical studies show that there is no significant difference in the average accuracy of the two types of thermometers, however there is a greater fluctuation of readings of temperature when using electronic thermometers.
Can mercury thermometers be wrong?In an ideal condition, the results are accurate. Many people think it inaccurate mainly because they use the instruments in the wrong way. There are too many factors affecting the forehead temperature, including room temperature, skin dryness, and more.
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