100多国联合封杀，水银体温计为什么非死不可？

Core Viewpoint - The production of mercury thermometers will be prohibited starting January 1, 2026, as part of a global initiative to limit mercury use due to its harmful effects on health and the environment [7][11][12]. Group 1: Regulatory Background - The National Medical Products Administration of China announced in 2020 that mercury thermometers and blood pressure monitors would be banned from production starting in 2026, following the global Minamata Convention on Mercury [7][11]. - The ban is not solely focused on thermometers but is part of a broader effort to restrict mercury-containing products, which include batteries, switches, cosmetics, and fluorescent lamps [15][12]. Group 2: Public Reaction - The announcement led to a surge in public concern, with many rushing to pharmacies to stockpile mercury thermometers, reflecting their long-standing familiarity and perceived reliability [6][3]. - The news quickly became a trending topic on social media, indicating widespread anxiety about the impending ban [6]. Group 3: Alternatives and Accuracy - Despite concerns about the accuracy of electronic thermometers, they are designed to meet national standards, with maximum allowable errors comparable to those of mercury thermometers [25][22]. - Alternatives such as gallium-indium alloy thermometers are available, providing a safer option while maintaining similar functionality to mercury thermometers [42]. Group 4: Health Implications - Mercury is highly toxic, and its use in household products poses significant health risks, particularly if the thermometer breaks and mercury is released into the environment [14][17]. - The potential for mercury vapor to exceed safe levels in enclosed spaces underscores the importance of transitioning away from mercury-based products [17].