Many people continue to use the mercury thermometers although it is discouraged, as we will see later. Compared to digital thermometers and those that work by infrared that do not even need to touch the skin of the patient, those of mercury are “The lifetime” and there are those who need that tranquility of the things they know.
And the truth is that these thermometers do they work good because they do it thanks to the substance they carry inside, mercury, which is precisely what makes them dangerous because high polluting capacity.
How the mercury thermometer works
Mercury is a natural element, a heavy metal that is found both in the rock of the earth’s crust, and in carbon deposits. In its pure form it is known as “elemental” or “metallic” mercury.
Elemental mercury is a shiny silver-white metal, liquid at room temperature, typically used in thermometers and some electrical switches. At room temperature, and if it is not encapsulated, the metallic mercury partially evaporates, forming mercury vapors. Mercury vapors are colorless and odorless. The higher the temperature, the more vapors will emanate from the liquid metallic mercury. Some people who have inhaled mercury fumes report having a metallic taste in their mouth, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The thermometer has a small bulb with the mercury and in a tube in which are the marks with the temperatures that indicate the temperature. As it rises, the mercury expands and reaches the stripes. This is how such a thermometer works.
1. Clean the thermometer. The first thing is to clean the bulb of the metal part of the thermometer with a cotton swab soaked in antiseptic alcohol. This is how we disinfect the part that will be most in contact with our body.
2. We energetically activate the mercury thermometer. To do this, we must use it on the opposite side to the bulb. Thanks to this movement we can lower any remaining mercury residue and guarantee that the indicated temperature is correct.
3. We place the thermometer in the armpit. The bulb must be right in the center of the armpit to be able to measure the temperature well. We leave the arm in the lap without moving it while we let the temperature rise the mercury and we check for fever.
4. ¿CHow long do you have to leave the mercury thermometer ?: We wait about five minutes approximately, which is the time it takes for mercury to rise and indicate body temperature. It is important to time the time well to avoid removing it earlier.
5. We shake again. To lower the mercury again, we must shake the thermometer again. Finally, the ideal is look at him well in its case so it does not break. We know that metallic mercury is toxic and glass is quite brittle. It is also interesting to re-disinfect it with alcohol before storing it.
The mercury thermometer, banished
However, mercury thermometers are a thing of the past because since the year 2009 they stopped manufacturing and marketing in the European Union and in 2013 the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended to stop using them. However, many people have them at home and even keep them like gold on cloth.
But, Why can’t the mercury thermometer be bought?, What is wrong with them? The answer is simple: by the high toxicity of mercury.
Is a Liquid metal with properties different from those of most substances. The small droplets combine into a larger sphere shape, which will roll on a flat surface and break into smaller droplets if dropped or pressure is applied. Care must be taken to prevent the mercury from scattering or rolling into hard-to-reach places.
What to do if the mercury thermometer breaks
If you have a mercury thermometer at home, you should also know what to do if it breaks. If by some accident it slips out of your hand and falls to the ground, breaking the glass, follow these steps:
1. Ventilate the place where you are as much as possible to avoid breathing toxic fumes, which can cause brain damage, skin problems, stomach problems, etc.
2. Before going to collect the mercury balls that form when the thermometer breaks, put on masks and gloves. Also, any contact with the skin can lead to worse problems. Therefore, the ideal is to collect and check well that all the mercury pearls have been collected.
3. Do not flush mercury down the toilet, as it contaminates more than 1,000 liters of water unnecessarily. Take it to a pharmacy.
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
