After evaluating the use of elemental mercury in certain products and the availability of effective, economical alternatives, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that there are mercury-free alternatives to a number of consumer products, including:

• switches
• relays
• button cell batteries
• non-fever thermometers
• measuring devices, such as thermostats

Click here to read the EPA’s full preliminary mercury assessment. The agency plans to take prompt regulatory and voluntary action to encourage the use of mercury-free alternatives and reduce the use of mercury in products.

Visit the EPA’s searchable database to identify consumer and commercial products that contain mercury and their possible non-mercury alternatives.

Related information: What do I do if an Hg thermometer or energy-efficient light breaks? Any mercury spill needs to be properly cleaned up. Consult Health Care Without Harm’s guide called "Mercury Thermometer’s and Your Family’s Health guide to learn safe techniques for managing mercury.