Which thermometers should never be used due to contamination risk?

• A. Digital thermometers
• B. Infrared thermometers
• C. Glass thermometers
• D. Mercury or Alcohol thermometers

Answer: (D)

The main safety concern here is contamination risk from the liquid inside the thermometer. When a glass thermometer breaks, the liquid can spread to surfaces, linens, and skin, creating a contamination pathway that must be cleaned up carefully to prevent exposure. Mercury is especially hazardous because it’s highly toxic; mercury vapors can form and be inhaled, and even tiny spills require special procedures and equipment to decontaminate the area. Alcohol-filled thermometers also pose a risk because the liquid can irritate or injure skin and eyes if exposure occurs, and there’s still a chance of environmental contamination and the need for proper cleanup. For these reasons, many facilities avoid glass thermometers that contain mercury or alcohol and prefer devices that don’t carry liquid hazards. Digital and infrared thermometers have no liquid inside, which makes them much easier to disinfect and than less likely to spread contaminants if a device is dropped or mishandled.