MCGILL UNIVERSITY MERCURY THERMOMETER EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Introduction
Mercury can be very hazardous to the environment and to the health of students, staff and faculty in laboratories who may come in contact with this element. In an effort to reduce the risk of environmental contamination, human exposure, and the time consuming and costly removal of spills, Procurement Services in collaboration with the Sustainability Funds Project (SFP), is proud to announce the launch of a mercury thermometer exchange program.
This program is available for McGill staff currently using mercury thermometers for research or teaching purposes. We strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to make your working space a mercury-free environment for you and your colleagues.
What can mercury be found in?
Mercury is most commonly found in research laboratories in such instruments as thermometers, barometers, manometers, sphygmomanometers and other devices. To start, the exchange program will be focusing on the disposal of mercury thermometers.
List of Eco-friendly Thermometers Available from Fisher and VWR
Request Form for Eco-friendly Thermometers
To request an Eco-friendly Thermometer at NO CHARGE, please fill in this Request Form*
***Please note that due to the high level of interest in this program, further funding will need to be requested. An announcement will be sent out when this program is available once again. Thank you!***
How to Dispose of Mercury at McGill
Should you decide to participate in this program, McGill’s Waste Management Team will contact you to make arrangements for the disposal of your mercury thermometers once your order for Eco-friendly thermometers has been processed.
If you have any products that contain mercury that you simply wish to dispose of, please refer to Waste Management’s website. Please don’t forget to include any decorative thermometers and barometers that you may have in your office as well.
Never attempt to clean up a mercury spill yourself. If you happen to experience a mercury spill, you should call Security Services at local 3000.
Mercury in the Household
Many people do not realize that there are potential harmful products in their homes that contain mercury, such as fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, barometers, blood pressure cuffs and thermostats.
Mercury-containing items should be treated as hazardous material and should not be thrown out in the garbage. Liquid mercury should never be poured down the drain. To learn more, please refer to Health Canada’s website or contact your local municipality.