How should a fever mercury thermometer be disposed of ? A survey of those likely to be asked.
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.
DiCarlo
Michele
M
Rutgers University-College of Pharmacy and the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07107, USA.
Ruck
Bruce
B
Marcus
Steven
S
D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003666:Decontamination / Q000592:standards; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006801:Humans; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000592:standards*; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards; D011039:Poison Control Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000592:standards; D013821:Thermometers / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D008628:Mercury