Healthy Homes and Environment Team

Environmental Health Risk Assessment Program

Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program

Mercury is naturally occurring metal in the environment that is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid.  It is used in fever thermometers and other household products.  The quantity of mercury released from even a single broken thermometer can cause a significant degree of contamination in the home and community. 

As of January, 2002, Rhode Island legislators passed a law to ban the sale of mercury-containing fever thermometers.  The Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program provides a safe way for Rhode Islanders to disposes of mercury-containing thermometers.

The program collaborates with public and private agencies, including local fire departments, Department of Environmental Management, and volunteers in assisting to collect mercury-containing thermometers.

For additional information regarding mercury, please visit the links listed below:

• The Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program Report of Activities
• Guidance for Managing Broken Mercury Fever Thermometers
• Information on safe disposal of household mercury (e.g., thermometers, thermostats, mercury switches)
• Mercury in Fish
• Poison Control Center