Parents are often quick to get out their thermometer whenever their baby feels warm or seems sick, with a runny nose, cough, or some extra fussiness.
And that used to mean using a mercury thermometer, which were long thought to be the best for taking a child's temperature.
That was before experts spread the word about the dangers of mercury, even the small amount in a mercury thermometer. Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents avoid using mercury thermometers.
The recommendation is actually several years old though. So you will likely not even be able to buy a new mercury thermometer anymore, since they aren't sold in regular drug stores now. You likely have a digital thermometer to use to take your baby's temperature instead.
Some people may have an old one in the house though. If you do, it is likely time to get rid of it.
Disposing of a Mercury Thermometer
Unfortunately, getting rid of a mercury thermometer is not as simple as throwing it in the trash. If you do, the mercury will simply be released into the environment. Instead, call your local health department or your state environmental protection department to find out where you can take your mercury thermometer for safe disposal.
If you have a mercury thermometer and it breaks, keep your child away from it and call your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222) for information about how to clean it up safely.
Sources: Goldman LR, Shannon MW, and the Committee on Environmental Health. Technical report: mercury in the environment: implications for pediatricians. Pediatrics.2001; 108 :197 –205. Michele DiCarlo, PharmD, et. al. How Should a Fever Mercury Thermometer be Disposed of? A Survey of Those Likely to be Asked. PEDIATRICS Vol. 109 No. 5 May 2002, pp. e71.
