Mercury vapor contamination of infant incubators: a potential hazard
Waffarn, F.; Hodgman, J.E.
Pediatrics 64(5): 640-642
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 492838 Document Number: 145646
In a survey of 42 infant incubators 18 showed detectable concentrations of mercury vapor. In 12 instances the concentrations of mercury vapor in the thermometer holder exceeded industrial safety standards. In 16 incubators the contamination was traced to broken mercury-in-glass thermometers used to monitor incubator ambient temperatures. Use of alcohol thermometers or thermistors in place of mercury-in-glass thermometers would eliminate this potential hazard.