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Phase-Out of Mercury Thermometers Used in Industrial and Laboratory Settings
Overview
Mercury use in products can lead to releases to the environment through the manufacturing of the products; via spills and breakage; and during the recycling, collection and disposal of mercury-containing products.
As part of a broader initiative to reduce the use of mercury in products, EPA is working with stakeholders to reduce the use of mercury-containing non-fever thermometers in industrial and commercial settings. Measurement and control devices, including glass non-fever thermometers, found in industrial and laboratory settings represent a major use category for mercury-containing products, but in many cases effective non-mercury alternative products exist.
Under the Chemical Assessment and Management Program (ChAMP), EPA evaluated the use of elemental mercury in certain products including mercury-containing non-fever thermometers and the availability of effective, economical mercury-free alternatives. The evaluation concluded that EPA should continue collaborative efforts to address phasing out mercury-containing non-fever thermometers. For more information on the evaluation of certain mercury products under ChAMP, read the November 2008 press release on effective mercury-free alternatives.
Phase-Out Efforts
Promoting Alternatives to Mercury-in-Glass Thermometers - The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is working to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of alternatives to mercury-containing thermometers. Read about an article written by NIST scientists on alternatives to mercury thermometers.
Eliminating Mercury in EPA Labs. EPA has numerous laboratories throughout the United States and contracts with many more. EPA is working to reduce overall use of hazardous chemicals, including mercury, in accordance with Executive Order 13148 (April 21, 2000). EPA recently issued a memorandum on September 30, 2008, calling for the phase-out of all mercury-containing non-fever thermometers used in EPA laboratories (PDF) (4 pp, 1.4MB, about PDF).
Reviewing ASTM Standards. ASTM, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, a voluntary standards development organization, is working to identify industrial standards and test methods that require the use of glass non-fever themometers containing mercury to determine whether the use of alternatives is feasible. Read more about ASTM's standards review effort.
Reviewing EPA Regulations and Test Methods. In turn, EPA is assessing its own regulations and test methods to evaluate references to mercury thermometers.
For more information, contact Robert Courtnage at EPA, of the Fibers and Organics Branch, at 202-566-1081.