Which statement about mercury in thermometers is correct?

Which statement about mercury in thermometers is correct?

• A. Mercury is dangerous if it leaks or breaks
• B. Mercury is expensive
• C. Mercury is light and harmless
• D. Mercury is the only measurement method used today

Answer: (A)

Mercury in thermometers is dangerous if it leaks or breaks because mercury is a toxic heavy metal. When the glass cracks, mercury can spill as droplets and release toxic vapors that can be inhaled or absorbed through skin, posing health risks especially to children and pregnant people. This danger is why many thermometers have shifted to safer alternatives like alcohol-based or digital versions. The statement isn’t about cost or being light, and it isn’t true that mercury is the only measurement method used today.

Mercury in thermometers is dangerous if it leaks or breaks because mercury is a toxic heavy metal. When the glass cracks, mercury can spill as droplets and release toxic vapors that can be inhaled or absorbed through skin, posing health risks especially to children and pregnant people. This danger is why many thermometers have shifted to safer alternatives like alcohol-based or digital versions. The statement isn’t about cost or being light, and it isn’t true that mercury is the only measurement method used today.