Mercury versus alcohol thermometers
Dropped mercury thermometers account for almost half of the spills that occur each year on campus. Rarely do people have the mercury spill kit required to clean up the half a
gram of mercury that can escape from these thermometers.
If someone drops a mercury thermometer in your lab, you
lose time, money, and possibly your clothing or equipment.
Instead, recycle your mercury-filled thermometers through EH&S and we’ll deliver a free alcohol-filled thermometer in exchange. Our alcohol thermometers are semi-submersible and measure from -20 to 110ºC to within 1º. They perform most routine laboratory functions that mercury thermometers are used for, such as measuring the temperature of water baths or ambient air. And best of all, when you drop one, all you have to do is wipe up the liquid with a paper towel and throw it away, and place the broken glass in your lab glass bin.
Request a thermometer exchange
Want a thermometer? Fill out a Chemical Collection Request with all your unwanted items containing elemental mercury (even bottles of mercury) and fax or mail the form to us. Make a note that you would like your free alcohol thermometer on the form. We will drop off your new thermometer and pick up your unwanted items for recycling.
Mercury spills
If you do still have elemental mercury in your workplace, you must have a mercury spill kit, and you need to know how to use it. Large spills might require a mercury vacuum. If the spill occurs on items with porous surfaces, such as carpet, wood, or your shoes, you might have to dispose of those items as hazardous waste. See our mercury spills webpage for more information.
The fine print
Supplies are limited. Only one alcohol thermometer per laboratory.
Additional alcohol thermometers, including other types of thermometers that measure higher temperatures,
are available through VWR, Fisher Scientific and other vendors.
This offer does not apply to UWMC, which has its own mercury-free mandate and substitute purchasing plan.
Mercury ban on consumer goods
The sale of mercury-containing consumer items has been banned since January 1, 2006. This ban covers mercury-containing items such as certain jewelry and the mercury batteries that power the kids' shoes that light up with each step.
This ban also covers mercury thermometers. It is illegal for any store or chemical supply company, if even out-of-state, to sell you a mercury thermometer. Seek alternative thermometers that are digital or alcohol-based.
If you have any questions about this policy, please call EH&S at 206.685.3759.
For more information about the ban, see http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/pbt/hgproductban.html.
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