Do oral mercury thermometers go bad?

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.

Are old mercury thermometers safe?

The small silvery ball in a mercury thermometer can be dangerous if the glass breaks and the mercury is not cleaned up properly. The mercury will evaporate and can contaminate the surrounding air and become toxic to humans and wildlife.

How long is a mercury thermometer accurate?

The accuracy of the measurement is also very high. But the downside is that it takes a little longer to measure body temperature than the first two devices. It takes from 30 seconds to over 3 minutes to get the measurement for different brands.

How long does an oral thermometer last?

Place the thermometer tip under the tongue. Hold the thermometer in the same spot for about 40 seconds. Readings will continue to increase and the F (or C) symbol will flash during measurement. Usually, the thermometer will make a beeping noise when the final reading is done (usually about 30 seconds).

How long should a mercury thermometer stay in your mouth?

3 minutes
After shaking the mercury down, place the thermometer under the child’s tongue, with the bulb toward the back of the mouth. Tell your child to keep the lips firmly closed, but not to bite the thermometer. 3. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 minutes.

What do you do with old mercury thermometers?

But if you still have an old-fashioned mercury thermometer at home, you will need to dispose of it with care once its time comes. If your thermometer is still intact, you will need to take it to your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility.

How long should I keep a mercury thermometer in my mouth?

Mouth: Place the probe under the tongue and close the mouth. Breathe through the nose. Use the lips to hold the thermometer tightly in place. Leave the thermometer in the mouth for 3 minutes or until the device beeps.

How long should you leave a mercury thermometer in your mouth?

After shaking the mercury down, place the thermometer under the child’s tongue, with the bulb toward the back of the mouth. Tell your child to keep the lips firmly closed, but not to bite the thermometer. 3. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 minutes.

How do you dispose of a broken mercury thermometer?

The preferred method of disposal for unbroken mercury thermometers and the mercury from broken thermometers is to take them to a local household hazardous waste collection facility or thermometer collection site if one is available in your area.

How do you clean a mercury thermometer after use?

Wipe down the thermometer with alcohol-based wipes (at least 70\% alcohol) or rubbing alcohol. Rinse the thermometer to remove the alcohol. Lastly, wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Repeat the entire process once again after use.

Are there any mercury-free fever thermometers available?

A variety of accurate and reliable mercury-free fever thermometers are available at your local pharmacy. 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.

What is a mercury thermometer used for in everyday life?

Household Uses of Mercury Thermometers. Common household uses of mercury thermometers include fever thermometers and oven, candy and meat thermometers. Mercury fever thermometers are made of glass the size of a straw, with a silvery-white liquid inside. They are common in many households, schools and medical facilities.

Are mercury in glass thermometers safe?

With the latest range of digital and electronic thermometers now available, there’s no reason why any home should still be using a mercury in glass one. These devices used to be the only option but now there are so many better ways, and none of them as dangerous as this substance.

Can you use a mercury thermometer in the rectum?

Once you are done with using the mercury thermometer it is very important to shake down the substance, disinfect it with alcohol and store it safely. If you use the thermometer in the rectum it should only be used in this area from now on.