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Mercury works very well in thermometers. The problem is when the thermometer breaks: mercury is quite toxic.
Mercury works very well in thermometers. The problem is when the thermometer breaks: mercury is quite toxic.
Mercury works very well in thermometers. The problem is when the thermometer breaks: mercury is quite toxic.
Mercury works very well in thermometers. The problem is when the thermometer breaks: mercury is quite toxic.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoMercury works very well in thermometers. The problem is when the thermometer breaks: mercury is quite toxic.
Anonymous
It is not "bad", it is actually has properties that are very good for thermometers; very fast response, known accuracy, and a wide temperature range. The mercury in a thermometer completely sealed in, the only way for it to escape is by breaking the glass.
There is much irrational fear of mercury in the general public because of ignorant or irresponsible large scale misuse and pollution in past decades, having nothing to do with the small amounts in measuring instruments. Mercury salts and organic mercury compounds can be about as toxic as compounds of lead and several other heavy metals, and if mercury is swallowed stomach acid can convert metallic mercury into mercury salts. most problems are from bio-accumulation after chronic exposure. Inhaling mercury fumes is the other significant mode of absorbing mercury. However metallic mercury as used in thermometers is not absorbed by skin(even thin skin in the mouth) and mercury has a very low vapor pressure so fumes are only significant when the mercury is either very hot or from large amounts in an enclosed room for a long time(years). There are a few mercury salts that are not soluble and so pose little danger, these are the same salts generally found in the natural ore.
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How are mercury thermometers used today?
Mercury thermometers are rarely used, except in lab thermometers. For human use, they have been replaced by dyed alcohol glass thermometers, or electronic digital thermometers.
Are digital and clinical thermometers same?
no,digital thermometers don't have mercury whereas clinical thermometers have mercury.
Why is mercury not used in thermometers any more?
Mercury is not used in thermometers, because mercury is poisonous.
Is there mercury in thermometers today?
In ordinary bulb thermometers, yes.
What liquid is inside thermometers?
If the liquid is silver, it is liquid mercury (Hg). If the liquid is red, it is coloured ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH).
Why don't thermometers use Mercury?
Mercury is Toxic.
A use for the element mercury?
thermometers
How are mercury thermometers used today?
Mercury thermometers are rarely used, except in lab thermometers. For human use, they have been replaced by dyed alcohol glass thermometers, or electronic digital thermometers.
Is Mercury used in thermometers?
In normal and some medical thermometers Mercury is used. That is why you may want to consider using electric thermometers which are more commonly used. They use no mercury.
Why do OSHA and EPA and the AMA all discourage the use of mercury filled clinical thermometers?
When mercury filled thermometers break, the mercury is released. Mercury is toxic to people, pets and the environment. There is a long history of mercury from broken thermometers and other medical devices being improperly dealt with, or even ignored. Since there are adequate replacements for mercury thermometers, OSHA, EPA, AMA and others discourage the use of mercury thermometers and encourage their replacement with thermometers using other technologies.
Why must mercury be used in thermometers?
It must not. Mercury is very toxic. It's safer to use colored alcohol in thermometers.
Why can't you use mercury thermometers?
You can and many people do.
Is there mercury in pool thermometers?
Not all pool thermometers have mercury in them. Some types do, but those that use digital or laser technology most likely do not.
Why are mercury thermometers bad?
Mercury is highly toxic (poisonous). The gas evaporating from the spilled liquid mercury is dangerous.
What would it be like to live on Mercury?
it would be really hot
Why is mercury rarely use in thermometers for body trmperatures?
Mercury is poisonous... If the thermometer is broken - it could cause harm. It's safer to use alcohol thermometers - or electronic ones.
What are the Uses of Mercury glass thermometer?
To measure the amount of heat in an object. Not to be confused with alcohol thermometers, mercury thermometers are not manufactured for public use anymore.
