Fever Thermometers
Thermometers with mercury
Mercury-free thermometers
Ban on sale
Disposal
Fever thermometers are used to measure body temperature.
Thermometers with mercury
Mercury is used in thermometers because it expands and contracts consistently with temperature. A mercury fever thermometer can contain from 0.7 to three grams of mercury. The mercury is the silvery liquid that rises in the glass column of the thermometer.
In King County, it is illegal to put mercury-containing products, including fever thermometers, in the garbage or to dispose of them at transfer stations. See the section on Disposal, below.
If a mercury thermometer breaks, it can pose health risks from mercury. According to Health Care Without Harm, poison control centers receive about 15,000 calls a year about broken mercury thermometers. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 17 tons of mercury from thermometers go into the garbage each year. When a mercury thermometer is thrown in the trash, mercury may be released into the air or groundwater.
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Mercury-free thermometers
Thermometers that don’t rely on mercury are commonly available.
Galinstan thermometers are similar in appearance to mercury thermometers. Instead of mercury, however, a gallium-indium-tin alloy is used. A recent study (BMC Nursing, 2003) found Galinstan thermometers an “appropriate replacement” for mercury.
Digital thermometers  are another alternative. Compared to mercury thermometers, digital thermometers are typically easier to read, faster and have equal accuracy. Some digital thermometers have batteries that contain a very small amount of mercury; others are powered with solar cells.
A list of mercury-free thermometer products and their manufacturers is provided by Sustainable Hospitals.
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Ban on sale
As of January 1, 2006, the Mercury Education Reduction Act (Revised Code of Washington 70.95) makes it illegal to sell mercury fever thermometers in Washington State without a prescription. (Digital thermometers with mercury button batteries may still be sold.)
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Disposal
In King County, it is illegal for anyone to put mercury-containing products in the garbage, trash or ‘Red Bag’ (biomedical waste).
Residents can bring mercury thermometers to a household hazardous waste facility.
Healthcare facilities and other businesses can dispose of mercury thermometers through a mercury reclamation facility or a hazardous waste management company.
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