What is used in thermometers now instead of mercury?
What is used in thermometers now instead of mercury?
Ethanol-filled thermometers are used in preference to mercury for meteorological measurements of minimum temperatures and can be used down to −70 °C (−94 °F). The physical limitation of the ability of a thermometer to measure low temperature is the freezing point of the liquid used.
When was mercury stopped being used in thermometers?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is working with EPA on this effort, announced on February 2, 2011 that it will no longer calibrate mercury-in-glass thermometers for traceability purposes beginning on March 1, 2011.
Why are mercury thermometers rarely used in labs now?
Those days have passed. Since 2001, 20 states have banned mercury “fever thermometers” for medical use, and regulations tighten every year. It’s a neurotoxin—exposure can cause tremors, partial blindness, deafness, memory loss, and many, many other problems—and, if mercury does spill, it’s very hard to clean up.
Are mercury thermometers more accurate than alcohol?
It is more durable than alcohol thermometer because mercury does not evaporate easily. It is smaller in size as compared to alcohol one. Mercury does not wet the wall of the thermometer, which means that results can be highly accurate.
Which of the following thermometers do not have mercury?
Answer: Spirit thermometers use a non-toxic alcohol instead of mercury to register the temperature.
What states are mercury thermometers banned in?
As a result, a number of states have banned or limited the sale of mercury thermometers, including California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Maine, Maryland, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Hampshire. Some local units of government across the country have issued bans as well, including Ann Arbor.
Can mercury thermometers expire?
Thermometers do not expire, but they do have to eventually be replaced. Digital thermometers will last about 3 to 5 years, while mercury thermometers will last indefinitely as long as they aren’t cracked or damaged.
Do mercury thermometers lose accuracy?
Do mercury thermometers lose accuracy over time? Mercury thermometers cannot be adjusted after calibration. The actual temperature must be calculated by applying corrections to the measured temperature. This takes time and is susceptible to calculation error.
Why are thermometers preferred to mercury thermometers?
1. Digital thermometers provide faster results. Digital thermometers provide fast results as opposed to mercury thermometers whose readings are slower to realize because you have to wait for the mercury to heat and then slowly rise to display the temperature.
What are the disadvantages of using mercury in thermometers?
Disadvantages of Mercury Thermometer Cannot measure low temperatures Hazardous if the bulb is broken and mercury leaks out High price Slow response
Can you use alternative to Mercury in thermometers?
The most similar alternatives to mercury fever thermometers are battery- and solar-powered digital thermometers . These are similar to mercury thermometers in both price and use. These can all be used orally, rectally, or in the armpit. You should choose a thermometer that is easy to use and read.
How dangerous is mercury from a thermometer?
Mercury is highly poisonous, and the mercury inside of a thermometer can have dangerous health effects if you are exposed to it directly. Mercury is a toxin that affects the neurologic system of your body; its vapor can cause mood swings, insomnia and memory loss, and high vapor levels can damage organs.
What do they use instead of mercury thermometer?
Digital. There are,in general,three classes of sensors that produce signals which can be converted into a digital temperature read-out: thermistors; platinum resistance thermometers; and thermocouples.
