TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden that would ban the sale of most thermometers containing liquid mercury has received final legislative approval.
“This is an issue of public safety,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “Thirteen other states have banned these liquid mercury thermometers, and its time New Jersey stepped up to protect the health and well being of its citizens from the risk of this dangerous poison.”
Under Senator Madden’s measure, S-1841, the mercury thermometer ban would take effect 180 days after its enactment. The bill would also authorize the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to enforce the ban and to establish a public education program. The measure would only apply to thermometers containing liquid mercury, not digital thermometers, whose batteries contain solid mercury.
“Mercury has been proven to cause birth defects and other health problems when people are exposed to the poisonous liquid,” said Senator Madden. “Many large retail stores have voluntarily stopped selling these dangerous thermometers, but this measure would work to remove any existing thermometers from store shelves and further protect the general public.”
This measure now heads to Governor Codey whose signature would make it State law.