MERCURY FEVER THERMOMETERS

WHAT IS MERCURY?
Mercury is a silver colored liquid metal. It has been used in many household, medical and industrial products.

WHY WORRY ABOUT MERCURY?
Although mercury performs many useful functions in our workplaces and homes, it is toxic and can impair our health. Mercury acts as a poison to the central nervous system in humans. Children, especially those under the age of 6, are more susceptible to mercury poisoning.

REPLACE MERCURY THERMOMETERS
The Department of Environmental Protection highly recommends replacing mercury fever thermometers with non-mercury alternatives. There are digital thermometers and one time temperature strips. Digital thermometers contain a button cell battery that contains a very small amount of mercury. Bring mercury-containing items such as therometers, thermostats, flourescent lights, and button cell batteries to a household hazardous waste collection site.

MERCURY HOTLINE
The Department of Environmental Protection hotline provides information about the state's new Mercury Education and Reduction law.  For mercury spills, contact the DEP's Emergency Spill and Response Prevention Division.  For questions regarding potential mercury poisoning, contact the Poison Control Center at the UCONN Health Center.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by program name: Mercury Hotline

For more information about mercury go to Conn. Dept. of Environmental Protection

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SOURCE: Conn. Dept. of Environmental Protection
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: March2008