The Issue
Older fever thermometers contain mercury which is a potent neurotoxin that bio-accumulates in human and fish tissue. The mercury contained in a single broken thermometer can pollute up to five million gallons of water. For this reason, extra care must be taken when handling a mercury thermometer.
How do you know if your fever thermometer contains mercury? It has a silver stream.
Never dispose of mercury or mercury containing materials down the drain or in the garbage. Look for a thermometer exchange event in your area and exchange your old fever mercury thermometer for a FREE digital one. For more information, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/calendar.asp
