Summary: After a nationwide production ban, mercury thermometers soared in price as Chinese rushed to buy remaining stock. Many families trust the familiar device despite health risks. Hospitals have switched to digital alternatives.
Across pharmacies in China, mercury thermometers are getting an unexpected farewell moment. After a nationwide ban stopped their production on January 1, many people rushed to buy the glass devices, pushing prices sharply higher in some cities and exposing how deeply many families still rely on a tool that is simple, cheap, and trusted—despite its health and environmental risks.
In Wuhan, Hubei province, the price of a single thermometer reportedly jumped from about 5 yuan to nearly 30 yuan in a short time.
"I don't care how expensive they are; I just want to keep a few at home," said a resident named Wang Hong, reflecting the mood of many shoppers lining up at neighbourhood pharmacies.
Some store owners have started limiting sales as stock runs low. Tan Enping, who runs a local pharmacy, said customers are currently allowed to buy only two at a time, but even that may not last. "People are buying in bulk, so supplies are disappearing very fast," he said.
Much of the rush comes from habit and familiarity. Mercury thermometers have been used in homes for generations, and many people are hesitant to switch to newer devices. After hearing about the ban on social media, some hurried to stock up, especially those who care for sick family members and want a tool they already trust.
Online stores have seen similar trends. Sellers say cheaper models sold out within a week. One major pharmacy shop on Tmall set a price cap of 18.5 yuan per unit to slow down panic buying. "We know these products will eventually disappear, but many customers just aren't ready to let them go," a store representative said.
The decision is tied to China's international obligations.
The country is a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global agreement adopted in 2013 to reduce the use of this toxic substance. Su Jing, a public health expert at Tsinghua University, said the move was unavoidable.
Although the treaty aimed for earlier action, China's 2026 deadline gave manufacturers time to adjust.
Health experts have long warned about the risks of mercury. When a thermometer breaks, the metal can turn into an invisible, odourless vapour. Breathing it in can damage the nervous system and kidneys, and even a small spill can push indoor levels far above safe limits. Mercury can also persist in the environment and enter the food chain.
The current ban stops production, but it does not forbid owning or selling existing stock. This has reduced some worries while also creating a temporary grey area in the market.
According to Su, public awareness is now crucial. Cleaning up a broken mercury thermometer should be done carefully, with proper ventilation, protective gloves, and disposal as hazardous waste.
Hospitals, meanwhile, have largely moved on.
Many started replacing mercury thermometers years ago with digital and infrared models, which offer benefits such as automatic data recording and lower risk of cross-infection.
Wu Yin, head nurse at Wuhan No. 9 Hospital, said the switch began about five years ago, and electronic thermometers are now used throughout the hospital. Features like automatic data uploads and better hygiene quickly proved their value.
Manufacturers have also been preparing for this change.
Yuyue Medical Equipment & Supply Co., once a major producer of mercury thermometers, said products containing mercury now make up only a small part of its business as it focuses more on electronic devices.
Today's options include standard digital thermometers as well as ear and forehead models that use infrared technology. Experts explain that these devices depend on sensors and calibration systems to stay accurate, and improvements in recent years have helped leading brands meet clinical standards.
Even so, for many consumers, confidence built over decades won't disappear overnight. Trust in the old glass thermometers is still strong—but the market is clearly moving in a new direction.
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