When a family member feels sick, we check for fever. Getting out the thermometer is often one of the first steps in caring for someone who doesn't feel well. But, ironically, the type of fever thermometer you have in your home can be a risk to the health of your family and community. As children, most parents of today grew up with mercury thermometers in their homes.
Mercury thermometers are easy to recognize.
Mercury thermometers are made of glass the size of a straw, with a silvery-white liquid inside. This liquid is mercury. While mercury has proved useful in measuring devices such as thermometers, it is a toxic substance that can harm both humans and wildlife. Just bring in your old thermometer. This program begins Sept. 17, 2001.