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, controlling mercury resource use, and gradually phasing out mercury-containing medical products [2]. - Mercury, known for its high toxicity and non-degradability, poses significant health risks, including acute poisoning and long-term neurological damage, especially to vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women [2][3]. - The inefficiency of mercury thermometers in emergency situations, requiring patients to remain still for 5 to 10 minutes, highlights their limitations in modern medical practices [2][3]. Group 2: Safe Alternatives to Mercury Thermometers - Electronic thermometers, which do not contain mercury, are emerging as ideal replacements, with types including non-contact and contact models [4]. - Non-contact models, such as forehead and ear thermometers, use infrared technology but can be affected by environmental conditions, while contact models provide results comparable to mercury thermometers in a shorter time [4][5]. - Gallium-indium-tin thermometers are also considered potential replacements 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 and Considerations - 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][6]. - The integration of big data and IoT technologies is essential for transforming thermometers from simple measuring devices into smart health management tools [6].

Core Viewpoint - The production of mercury thermometers and blood pressure monitors will be completely banned starting January 1 next year, as announced by the National Medical Products Administration, marking a significant shift towards safer measurement devices [1][5]. Group 1: Historical Context - Mercury thermometers have been in use for over 300 years, regarded as the "gold standard" for temperature measurement due to their accuracy and reliability [2][4]. - The principle behind mercury thermometers is based on the thermal expansion of liquids, with mercury providing a stable and wide temperature range compared to alternatives like alcohol [4]. Group 2: Reasons for the Ban - The primary reason for the ban is the toxicity of mercury, which poses health risks to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as potential harm to fetal and child development [5]. - The ban is also a commitment to the Minamata Convention, aimed at controlling global mercury pollution, as mercury can persist in the environment and convert to highly toxic methylmercury [5][7]. Group 3: Alternatives to Mercury Thermometers - Contact electronic thermometers are a viable alternative, with an accuracy range of ±0.1℃ to ±0.2℃ within the clinical measurement range of 35℃ to 41℃, meeting clinical diagnostic needs [8]. - Non-mercury thermometers made from gallium-indium-tin alloy are also available, maintaining the same operational principles as traditional thermometers but using safer materials [8]. Group 4: Environmental and Safety Considerations - While mercury thermometers are not the primary source of mercury pollution, their discontinuation will contribute to pollution control efforts [7]. - Proper disposal methods for broken mercury thermometers include using a plastic bottle for collection and ensuring safe handling to minimize exposure to mercury vapor [10].