Is a mercury thermometer considered a hazardous chemical?

Hazard Statements (GHS-US/CA) : H330 – Fatal if inhaled. H360 – May damage fertility or the unborn child. H372 – Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. H400 – Very toxic to aquatic life.

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.

Does mercury corrode?

Mercury is a fairly unreactive metal and is highly resistant to corrosion. When heated to near its boiling point (346.72 deg C/675 deg F), mercury oxidizes in air, and mercuric oxide is formed.

Is Mercury flammable?

Mercury is non-combustible. The agent itself does not burn, but it may react upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Is there enough mercury in a thermometer to hurt you?

Mercury is a very toxic or poisonous substance that people can be exposed to in several ways. If it is swallowed, like from a broken thermometer, it mostly passes through your body and very little is absorbed. If you touch it, a small amount may pass through your skin, but not usually enough to harm you.

What is the purpose of mercury in a thermometer?

A medical mercury-in-glass maximum thermometer showing the temperature of 38.7 °C. One special kind of mercury-in-glass thermometer, called a maximum thermometer, works by having a constriction in the neck close to the bulb. As the temperature rises, the mercury is pushed up through the constriction by the force of expansion.

What type of mercury is in a thermometer?

There are two general types of mercury thermometers that measure body temperature: oral/rectal/baby thermometers, containing about 0.61 grams of mercury. basal temperature thermometers (used to track slight changes in body temperature), containing about 2.25 grams of mercury.

What is used to replace mercury in thermometers?

Galinstan is commercially used as a mercury replacement in thermometers due to its nontoxic properties, but the inner tube surface must be coated with gallium oxide to prevent the alloy from wetting the glass surface.

Why is mercury used in glass thermometer?

Mercury is used in thermometers because. It does not stick to the glass tube. It expands on providing heat to it. It has lower freezing point and higher boiling point. It is a shining metal and when it expands, the expansion can be easily seen.