Portland, Ore.

WHAT:

To help keep mercury out of the environment, Oregon Health & Science University is offering a thermometer exchange at the Lloyd Center Mall in northeast Portland. People bringing in a mercury fever thermometer for disposal will receive one free digital thermometer per family, while supplies last. Approximately 3,000 free digital thermometers are available. Old thermometers must be in their original plastic holder or in a plastic toothbrush holder. The thermometer and holder must be in a Ziplock bag.

WHEN:

Saturday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE:

 Lloyd Center Mall, first floor courtyard, outside the Nordstrom entrance.

DETAILS:

Mercury, the silvery liquid within thermometers, is hazardous if released in the environment. All forms of mercury can be toxic to human beings. Chronic, long-term exposure can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous system as well as to other organ systems.

The Oregon Legislature recently passed a bill, effective July 1, 2002, stating that no one can manufacture or sell mercury thermometers in Oregon unless they are a federal entity or the thermometer is prescribed by someone licensed to practice medicine.

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