Why aren't conventional mercury thermometers allowed onboard?

2 Answers. The problem isn't the Thermometer bit, it's the mercury bit. ... The problem with this is that much of the plane (including the fuselage) is made of aluminium, so having it be eaten away by mercury is a bad thing during the flight, and also a very bad thing for the value of the plane afterwards!

1. Can you take a mercury thermometer on an airplane?
2. Are mercury thermometers legal?
3. Why are mercury thermometers not allowed on planes?
4. Can you bring an infrared thermometer on a plane?
5. Why thermometer is not allowed in flight?
6. What happens if you break a mercury thermometer?
7. Can you suggest alternatives to mercury thermometer?
8. Which is better mercury thermometer or digital?
9. Can a passenger carry a medical thermometer containing mercury with them?
10. Can I travel with a thermometer?
11. What body temperature is allowed in flight?
12. Do airports check your temperature?
13. Do they take your temperature before boarding a plane?

Can you take a mercury thermometer on an airplane?

The thermometer must be in a protective case. ... Though allowed in checked and carry-on baggage by U.S. regulations, medical mercury thermometers are not allowed in carry-on baggage by international (ICAO/IATA) regulations.

Are mercury thermometers legal?

While many people probably have them in their medicine cabinets, or on their walls, the retail sale of mercury thermometers has been banned or restricted in at least 18 states, including Washington, with more such legislation pending, according to the Interstate Mercury Education and Reduction Clearinghouse.

Why are mercury thermometers not allowed on planes?

That is, the mercury is highly sensitive to changes in heat and expands a lot in response, thereby allowing you to accurately gauge the temperature. Mercury is also highly reactive with other metals, including pure aluminum - the stuff that makes up the bulk of planes.

Can you bring an infrared thermometer on a plane?

Just take it out of your bag and put it next to your laptop/tablet if you have one. They're not prohibited, but it's easier to tell what it is on the x ray if we can actually look over and see it inside of a bin.

Why thermometer is not allowed in flight?

The glass of a mercury thermometer can break. The released mercury can corrode the aluminium of the plane. ... Such lamps become extremely hot, leading to a fire on the plane.

What happens if you break a mercury thermometer?

It will break the mercury into smaller droplets and spread them. Never pour mercury down a drain. It may lodge in the plumbing and cause future problems during plumbing repairs. If discharged, it can cause pollution of the septic tank or sewage treatment plant.

Can you suggest alternatives to mercury thermometer?

There are numerous alternatives to mercury thermometers. ... But increasingly, selecting an alternative to Hg is chiefly a matter of choosing among one of the three sensor types used in digital thermometry: platinum resistance (PRT), thermistor, and thermocouple.

Which is better mercury thermometer or digital?

1. Digital thermometers provide faster results. Digital thermometers provide fast results as opposed to mercury thermometers whose readings are slower to realize because you have to wait for the mercury to heat and then slowly rise to display the temperature.

Can a passenger carry a medical thermometer containing mercury with them?

The airport warns: “Thermometers with mercury are permitted in hold luggage (but not hand luggage) only, if they are carried in a protective case.” Passengers could also be caught out if travelling with writing equipment seeing as ink is a liquid. Anything over 100ml is not allowed onboard, including refills.

Can I travel with a thermometer?

You can travel with a thermometer, including check it in your luggage or carry it on. The TSA considers thermometers an approved item in the TSA check points as well.

What body temperature is allowed in flight?

Dear Jayesh, Passengers with normal body temperature (98.6° F) are permitted to travel by flights.

Do airports check your temperature?

Airlines and airports acknowledge that temperature scans—like plexiglass barriers and uniformed cleaning crews—are in part meant as visible safety measures that can help set passengers' minds at ease.

Do they take your temperature before boarding a plane?

They will have their temperatures checked with a touchless thermometer prior to boarding. They will wear a face covering over their noses and mouths throughout their journey, including at ticket counters, in gate areas and aboard the flight.