Core Viewpoint - The production of mercury thermometers and blood pressure monitors will be banned in China starting January 1, 2026, as part of the country's commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, reflecting ecological and medical safety principles [2][3]. Group 1: Reasons for the Ban - The ban is a specific measure to fulfill the Minamata Convention, which includes prohibiting the mining of primary mercury and gradually phasing out mercury-containing medical products [2]. - Mercury is highly toxic and non-degradable; a standard mercury thermometer contains about 1 gram of mercury, which can significantly increase air concentration in a room if broken, posing acute poisoning risks [2][3]. - There are numerous cases of poisoning and injuries related to mercury thermometers, highlighting their risks in modern medical practices [3]. Group 2: Alternatives to Mercury Thermometers - Electronic thermometers are emerging as ideal replacements, avoiding mercury pollution and offering similar measurement accuracy [4]. - Electronic thermometers can be categorized into non-contact (e.g., forehead and ear thermometers) and contact types, with the latter providing results comparable to mercury thermometers in a shorter time [4][5]. - Gallium-indium-tin thermometers are also considered potential substitutes due to their non-toxic nature and similar measurement performance, although they face challenges in technology maturity and market acceptance [5][6]. Group 3: Future Developments - There is a need for advancements in high-precision sensors and product quality control to meet the demands of critical care environments and consumer expectations for low-cost measurement tools [5]. - The integration of big data and IoT technologies is essential for transforming thermometers from simple measuring devices into smart health management tools [6].