European Union | The European Parliament has agreed to phase out mercury in certain measuring devices such as thermometers and barometers. A directive restricting the marketing and use of such devices will come into force shortly, while a ban will apply a year later. The ban is expected to reduce EU mercury emissions by 33 tonnes per annum with 25-30 tonnes coming from thermometers alone, according to the European Commission.
Under the new legislation, all new mercury fever thermometers for professional and consumer use and other devices such as manometers will be banned 12 months after entry into force, although there will be exemptions for the healthcare sector. Mercury barometers for consumer use will be banned a year later.
Antique mercury-containing devices - defined as those over 50 years old - will be exempt from the law.
