EPA Urges Federal Facilities To Replace Most Mercury Thermometers

摘要

EPA is pushing federal facilities to replace their mercury-containing non-fever thermometers with less toxic versions and is recommending safe disposal methods for existing ones, despite barriers to a phase-out caused by industry and government standards requiring the use of traditional mercury-based thermometers. But in a new guidance released last month, EPA notes strides it is making in lifting these requirements in standards. The phase-out is needed because mercury is a neurotoxin harmful to human health and the environment, EPA says in a question-and-answer document on its website.