Chemical Safety
Alternatives to Mercury and Mercury Compounds
In a 1992 study conducted at UIUC, mercury spills were identified as a source of waste in half the laboratories generating mercury waste. These spills most often were due to broken thermometers or manometers. In addition 30 of the laboratories generating mercury waste said mercury reagents were the source.
Hazardous waste regulations now require that wastes containing mercury be sent to a facility where mercury can be recovered in a retort or roasting thermal process unit. Compared with landfilling or stabilization, recovery methods are very expensive.
Thermometers and Manometers
The University's Central Stores is phasing out the supply of mercury thermometers and replacing them with red alcohol or mineral spirit filled thermometers. These can adequately meet accuracy and range requirements. If mercury thermometers must be purchased, those with teflon coatings should be utilized. In physics laboratories, thermocouples may be used to replace mercury thermometers. Separation of the liquid in non-mercury thermometers can be avoided by storing the thermometers in an upright position.
Manometers can be phased out in favor of pressure transducers, electronic pressure gauges or oil-based manometers. Bimetal or stainless steel thermometers can be used instead of mercury thermometers in heating and cooling units. Using mercury thermometers in heated ovens is an unnecessary hazard. Glass thermometers are readily broken in ovens and the elevated temperatures can produce high concentrations of mercury vapor. Stainless steel thermometers may work in some laboratories as well. Mercury containing equipment should always be stored in a secondary container such as a plastic tray or bin to contain any spills or leaks.
Mercury Reagents
Alternatives for mercuric chloride when used as a biocide are solutions such as 5-10% methylene chloride, 1% formalin, 1N hydrochloric acid, sodium azide, and sodium hypochlorite. When mercury compounds are used as catalysts for reactions one alternative is to eliminate the catalyst and simply let the reaction run longer. Mercury-free catalysts such as CuSO4, TiO2, or K2SO4 can be used in Kjeldahl digests instead of mixtures that contain mercury metal or salts. There are also alternatives for mercuric chloride circuit board etching reagents. One is available through Kepro Circuit Systems (1.800.325.3878).
In Summary:
We strongly encourage you to eliminate the use of mercury. Please examine all of your procedures which involve the use of mercury to evaluate the possibility of eliminating or at least reducing the use of mercury.
If you have found other suitable alternatives to mercury use please notify us. For further assistance please call (217) 333-2755.
Ordering Information:
The following non-mercury thermometers may be ordered through Central Stores:
Product |
Range |
Catalog number |
Thermometer, alcohol filled, 76 mm immersion |
-20 C-+110 C |
32-72-1050 |
Thermometer, alcohol filled, 76 mm immersion |
-20 C-+150 C |
32-72-1400 |
Thermometer, alcohol filled, 76 mm immersion |
-50 C-+50 C |
32-72-5950 |
Thermometer, red liquid filled, 76 mm immersion |
-20 C- +110 C |
32-72-1600 |
Thermometer, mineral spirit filled, 76 mm immersion |
-20 C-+150 C |
32-72-2800 |
All metal thermometer 1.75" diameter 8" long |
0 C-+250 C |
32-72-8050 |
All metal thermometer 1.75" diameter 8" long |
0 F-+220 F |
32-72-8400 |
Thermometer, red alcohol filled, total immersion |
-200 C- +30 C |
32-72-6650 |
Thermometer, biodegradable green liquid, total immersion |
-20 C-+110 C |
32-72-0010 |
Thermometer, biodegradable green liquid, total immersion |
-20 C-+150 C |
32-72-0030 |
Thermometer, biodegradable green liquid, total immersion |
-10 C-+225 C |
32-72-0050 |
Questions?
Contact the Division of Research Safety, Chemical Safety Section (333-2755 or via e-mail) or visit our website: http://www.drs.uiuc.edu/css/.
Other Chemical Safety Fact Sheets are available from the Chemical Safety Section at our website: http://www.drs.uiuc.edu/css/factsheets/.
