Thermometer Exchange Program
Currently, Marquette University is offering a mercury thermometer exchange program.
Marquette University Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program
Contact: Dennis Daye, dennis.daye@marquette.edu, 414-288-8411
Marquette University has committed to a Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program as part of the University’s pollution prevention initiative. The Environmental Health and Safety Department of Marquette University will provide a 1 to 1 thermometer replacement for most non-mercury thermometer models at no cost to the lab. Existing mercury thermometers will be replaced with alcohol thermometers that are safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
What are the benefits of switching to non-mercury thermometers?
- Mercury from broken thermometers presents a hazard for faculty, staff, and students in laboratory areas.
- Mercury also presents a hazard to the local environment, if broken thermometers in sinks eventually end at the sanitary sewer plant.
- Broken mercury thermometers create hazardous waste that is costly to clean up. It can cost thousands of dollars to clean up a broken thermometer.
- Effective non-mercury thermometers are available.
- Non-mercury thermometers can be used in incubators, water bath, or other applications where mercury thermometers have been traditionally used.
- Most non-mercury thermometers are certified by the National Institute of Standard and Technology or the National Committee for Clinical laboratory Standards to meet accuracy requirements.
What are the Hazards Associated with Broken Mercury Thermometers?
Mercury from broken thermometers presents a hazard for faculty, staff, and students in laboratory areas. Mercury also presents a hazard to the local environment: mercury in broken thermometers in sinks eventually may end at the waste water treatment plant where it can endanger microbes and interfere with the treatment process. The typical household mercury thermometer contains enough mercury in it to contaminate a 20-acre fish pond. Broken mercury thermometers create hazardous waste that is costly to clean up and dispose of. The absence of mercury thermometers also reduces our regulatory risk and can potentially decrease the cost of renovation projects.
How Can I Replace my Thermometers?
To replace your mercury thermometers you must complete the Mercury Thermometer Exchange Request 
form. Replacement thermometers must be selected from the VWR Product Catalog. The part number/catalog number for the replacement thermometer must be indicated on the exchange request form.
After filing the Exchange Request form, you will be contacted to arrange a thermometer exchange.
Not sure if you need total or partial immersion thermometer?
A total immersion thermometer is designed to indicate temperatures correctly when the bulb and the entire liquid column are exposed to the temperature being measured, except for a minimal length emergent to be visible. A partial immersion thermometer has a line around it at the immersion distance from the bottom. It indicates correctly when the bulb and liquid column to that line are exposed to the temperature being measured and the emergent stem is at ambient temperature. A total immersion thermometer may be used accurately at partial immersion if a mathematical correction is applied.
Resources
- Implementing a Mercury Reduction Plan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Mercury Spill Response, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Mission Statement
The Risk Unit is responsible for evaluating loss exposures, assessing liability, handling claims, promoting internal controls and developing effective safety and health programs. The corporate and student insurance plans are managed by this unit.
