Can I bring a mercury thermometer on a plane?

The FAA allows one small Medical-Clinical Thermometer (Mercury) per passenger for personal use in checked bag only. The thermometer must be in a protective case.

What happens if you bring mercury on a plane?

One of the many items you are not permitted to bring aboard aeroplanes is a mercury thermometer (or more accurately “mercurial thermometers and barometers”). This allows the mercury to reach fresh aluminium and the process then repeats, so a small amount of mercury can do a large amount of damage.

Why we can take thermometer in flight?

Why is this item restricted? Mercury is a poison and if taken on board a plane present as a significant risk to passengers and crew.

Is thermometer allowed in cabin luggage?

Umbrellas (allowed in hand baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed….Flammable Items :

Why is mercury thermometers banned?

The reason: Mercury released into the environment from a broken thermometer is highly poisonous. Pure mercury and its compounds can cause neurological problems and other ailments in people exposed to them. Federal and state authorities have lobbied since 2002 for bans on medical mercury thermometers.

Can mercury be transported by air?

Abstract. Mercury is a metallic element found in nature as a liquid at room temperature. While vapor of elemental mercury can be transported to long distances by air flow, some organic mercury compounds being water-soluble are capable of transport in the aquatic food chain through the process of bioaccumulation.

Does digital thermometer have mercury?

Explanation: Thermometers that check body temperature in the ear, across the forehead, or have a digital display do not contain mercury. The EPA recommends the use of mercury-free thermometers but it does not endorse any specific brand and suggests choosing a thermometer that is easy to use and read.

Are mercury thermometers still available?

What Will Replace Them? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced last week that it would stop calibrating mercury thermometers starting March 1 a move that brings the U.S. one step closer to phasing out these temperature-measuring devices for good.

What body temperature is allowed in flight?

Dear Jayesh, Passengers with normal body temperature (98.6° F) are permitted to travel by flights.

Does a digital thermometer have mercury in it?

The oldest thermometers used are mercury in glass. Newer thermometers include non-mercury liquids in glass and digital and electronic devices that use sensors to measure temperature. Thermometers that check body temperature in the ear, across the forehead, or have a digital display do not contain mercury.

Can you bring a thermometer on a plane?

By FAA rules, a passenger is allowed to carry a single medical/clinical mercury thermometer in a protective case, either in checked baggage or a carry-on. However, most liquid-containing thermometers nowadays contain alcohol instead of mercury. Those thermometers do not underly the restriction above.

Is it safe to travel with a mercury thermometer?

All other medical equipment is safe for travel. (Alcohol thermometers are safe for travel) It’s because Mercury eats , yes eats aluminium and aircraft are constructed from aluminium. If a Mercury thermometer should break on an aircraft it would cause severe corrosion and possibly destroy the aircraft if left unchecked.

Can I carry a barometer on a plane?

Mercury Barometer or Thermometer — These items are allowed if carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency, and as carry-on baggage only.

Why can’t you bring Mercury on a plane?

Mercury is absolutely banned on all aircraft, even in checked luggage. It has nothing to do with TSA or security. It has to do with what happens when liquid mercury contacts aluminum, the main material in most aircraft. Mercury can cause aluminum to ‘rust’ as it were, which would weaken the aircraft to the point that it would break.