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It is only toxic if the mercury gas is inhaled. Which can only occur if it breaks. Mercury thermometers can offer very accurate readings for basal temperatures which can be beneficial in determining thyroid malfunction or ovulation.

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15y ago
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5mo ago

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal and can be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. If a mercury thermometer breaks, the mercury can vaporize and be inhaled, increasing the risk of mercury poisoning. It is important to handle and dispose of mercury-containing items properly to prevent exposure to this toxic substance.

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14y ago

This because of Mercury.

When Mercury is exposed to air, it will react with Oxygen and form Mercury-Oxide.

Mercury oxide is a toxic substance which can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion. The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract and may have effects on the kidneys, resulting in kidney impairment. In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in aquatic organisms. The substance is banned as a pesticide by the EU government

Mercury can be absorbed through skin.

It is not likely that one will be severly poisoned if one touch it, but repeated exposure makes it a high risk because it accumulates in the body. It takes a really long time to get rid of it if you get it in your body.

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15y ago

They aren't as long as they don't get broken. If they do break, though, they contain mercury, which is a heavy metal and causes all the usual heavy metal poisoning symptoms.

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Q: Why are Mercury thermometers poisonous?
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Related questions

Why is Mercury no longer used in most thermometers?

Mercury is a very poisonous substance.


Which poisonous metal was once used in thermometers due to its properties of expansion In heat?

Mercury.


Why mercury is used in milk?

Mercury is highly poisonous and should not be used in milk production. The only place where mercury might be used in milk production is in mercury thermometers and where possible, these should be replaced with alcohol thermometers.


Why is mercury not used in thermometers any more?

Mercury is toxic and poses serious health and environmental risks if spilled. As a result, many countries have phased out the use of mercury in consumer products, including thermometers. Safer alternatives, such as digital thermometers, are now widely used instead of mercury-based ones.


Why is mercury rarely use in thermometers for body trmperatures?

Mercury is poisonous... If the thermometer is broken - it could cause harm. It's safer to use alcohol thermometers - or electronic ones.


Are glass thermometers safe?

no because if dropped the Mercury can spill causing poisoning, and the fumes are also poisonous


What is Mercury used in?

Mercury was commonly used in thermometers and barometers. However, because it is poisonous, people are trying to use it in less things now.


What mercury used in?

Mercury was commonly used in thermometers and barometers. However, because it is poisonous, people are trying to use it in less things now.


Why are mercury thermometers bad?

Mercury thermometers are bad because if they break, they can release toxic mercury vapors that are harmful when inhaled. Mercury is a hazardous substance that can accumulate in the environment and pose risks to human health. Safer alternatives like digital thermometers are now widely available.


Why is Mercury used in old thermometers?

Mercury is used in old thermometers because it has a high coefficient of expansion, meaning it expands and contracts consistently with changes in temperature. This property allows for accurate temperature measurement. Additionally, mercury remains a liquid at room temperature, making it a suitable choice for use in thermometers.


What liquid is inside thermometers?

Most traditional thermometers contain mercury as the liquid inside. However, modern thermometers use alcohol or a similar non-toxic liquid.


What liquid metal used to be in thermometers?

Mercury. The metal gives off poisonous vapours - and has largely been replaced by alcohol.