Schools used Mercury thermometers b/c it was the most common type around.
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Mercury thermometers were commonly used in schools because of their accuracy and reliability in measuring temperature. They were also economical and easy to read. However, due to the toxicity of mercury, many schools have phased out mercury thermometers in favor of safer alternatives.
Because mercury thermometers are fast responding, accurate, reliable, low cost, have a wide temperature range, are easy to calibrate, and have an indefinite lifespan if not mechanically broken. If broken the amount of mercury inside is trivial and in a form that is not easily absorbed through the skin.
Mercury is a toxic substance that can be harmful if the thermometer breaks and the mercury is released. In schools, there is a risk of accidental breakage and exposure to students and staff. As a result, schools have shifted to using safer alternatives like digital thermometers.
Most modern thermometers no longer use mercury due to its toxicity. Instead, digital thermometers, infrared thermometers, and other types of thermometer technology that do not contain mercury are widely available and recommended for safer use.
Two common types of thermometers are digital thermometers and mercury thermometers. Digital thermometers use electronic sensors to measure temperature and display it on a screen, while mercury thermometers contain mercury that expands or contracts with temperature changes. Mercury thermometers are being phased out due to environmental concerns over mercury exposure.
Mercury thermometers are still used in some industrial applications and laboratories due to their accuracy and ability to measure high temperatures. However, their use is declining due to the potential health and environmental risks associated with mercury exposure. In many situations, digital thermometers or other types of non-mercury thermometers are used instead.
Most traditional thermometers contain mercury as the liquid inside. However, modern thermometers use alcohol or a similar non-toxic liquid.