At least 13 states in the United States have implemented bans on mercury thermometers due to environmental and health concerns associated with mercury exposure.
States with Mercury Thermometer Bans
Mercury is a toxic substance that can pose significant health risks if released into the environment. When mercury thermometers break, they can release mercury vapor, which can be inhaled, leading to potential neurological and developmental damage. To mitigate these risks, numerous states have passed legislation to ban the sale and distribution of mercury-containing thermometers.
The states that have enacted such bans are:
| State |
|---|
| California |
| Connecticut |
| Illinois |
| Indiana |
| Maine |
| Maryland |
| Massachusetts |
| Michigan |
| Minnesota |
| New Hampshire |
| Oregon |
| Rhode Island |
| Washington |
These bans aim to reduce the amount of mercury entering the waste stream and to promote safer, mercury-free alternatives for temperature measurement. Consumers in these states typically have access to various digital or alcohol-based thermometers that do not contain mercury.
