Dria El
July 7th, 2001, 03:17 PM
Mercury-free Thermometers
by Annie Berthold-Bond
To this day I remember how fun it was as a child to play with the ball of mercury that was rolling around on the floor after the glass fever thermometer broke. I was sad when it finally got lost somewhere. Now that I know how toxic mercury is to practically every organ system of the body, including the brain, it is a wonder I am still alive and able to think. Now, Minnesota is leading the way to ban sales of mercury thermometers.
Consumer Guide Summary:
Disposal of thermometers is a major source of mercury emissions, according to Health Care Without Harm, an international coalition concerned about the environmental impacts of health care. In praising the Minnesota law they note that,
"Once mercury enters the environment, microorganisms in lakes and rivers convert it to the more toxic methylmercury, where it builds up in fish and wildlife. ... Most human exposure to mercury comes through eating fish. Pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and young children are particularly at risk from mercury exposure. In fact, the National Academy of Sciences noted in a recent report that more than 60,000 children annually may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury-contaminated fish eaten by their mothers during pregnancy. Over 90% of the Minnesota lakes and rivers that have been tested receive fish consumption advisories due to mercury contamination, totaling over 800 in 2000."
What You Can Do:
Retailers and pharmacy chains that only sell mercury-free Thermometers as of September 2000 include: Rite-Aid, K-Mart, Brooks, Target, Wal-Mart, Albertson, Kinney, Toys 'R' Us, Safety First, The First Years, and Meijers.
by Annie Berthold-Bond
To this day I remember how fun it was as a child to play with the ball of mercury that was rolling around on the floor after the glass fever thermometer broke. I was sad when it finally got lost somewhere. Now that I know how toxic mercury is to practically every organ system of the body, including the brain, it is a wonder I am still alive and able to think. Now, Minnesota is leading the way to ban sales of mercury thermometers.
Consumer Guide Summary:
Disposal of thermometers is a major source of mercury emissions, according to Health Care Without Harm, an international coalition concerned about the environmental impacts of health care. In praising the Minnesota law they note that,
"Once mercury enters the environment, microorganisms in lakes and rivers convert it to the more toxic methylmercury, where it builds up in fish and wildlife. ... Most human exposure to mercury comes through eating fish. Pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and young children are particularly at risk from mercury exposure. In fact, the National Academy of Sciences noted in a recent report that more than 60,000 children annually may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury-contaminated fish eaten by their mothers during pregnancy. Over 90% of the Minnesota lakes and rivers that have been tested receive fish consumption advisories due to mercury contamination, totaling over 800 in 2000."
What You Can Do:
Retailers and pharmacy chains that only sell mercury-free Thermometers as of September 2000 include: Rite-Aid, K-Mart, Brooks, Target, Wal-Mart, Albertson, Kinney, Toys 'R' Us, Safety First, The First Years, and Meijers.