How should a fever mercury thermometer be disposed of ? A survey of those likely to be asked.

Abstract

The American Academy of Pediatrics' recent technical report entitled "Mercury in the Environment: Implications for Pediatricians" was widely reported on by the news media. After the media reports, the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System experienced a notable increase in the volume of calls on this topic. We surveyed local, county, and state health officers who would likely be contacted by citizens with the question: "How should a fever mercury thermometer be disposed of?" Our initial contacts with health officers corroborated our caller's account: a lack of uniformity of response. This led us to question if there was any consensus in advice being offered to the public at large.