Core Viewpoint - China will ban the production of mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers starting January 1, 2026, due to health and environmental concerns, marking the end of an era for mercury-based medical devices [1][2]. Group 1: Health Risks of Mercury - Mercury, contained in traditional thermometers, poses significant health risks, including acute symptoms like headaches and chronic effects such as damage to the central nervous system and kidneys [2][3]. - Sensitive populations, including children and pregnant women, are at risk of irreversible harm, such as developmental delays and fetal deformities due to mercury exposure [3]. Group 2: Environmental Impact - Mercury is a neurotoxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the food chain, posing risks to marine life and human health [4]. - The biological magnification of mercury can lead to high concentrations in marine organisms, which can ultimately affect human consumers [4]. Group 3: Transition to Alternative Products - The market is shifting towards electronic and non-mercury alternatives, which are safer and more user-friendly [8]. - Various alternatives include gallium-indium-tin thermometers, electronic thermometers, ear thermometers, and forehead thermometers, each with unique features and accuracy levels [8][10]. Group 4: Usage and Safety Guidelines - Existing mercury thermometers can still be used if intact and within the registration validity period, but users should be aware of the associated risks and proper handling methods [5]. - In case of breakage, specific steps must be followed for safe cleanup, including ventilation and proper collection of mercury beads [6][7]. Group 5: Accuracy of Electronic Devices - Concerns about the accuracy of electronic thermometers exist, with reported discrepancies of up to 1°C among different brands [10]. - It is crucial to choose products with medical device registration and to follow proper usage instructions to ensure reliable readings [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impending discontinuation of mercury thermometers starting January 1, 2025, leading to a surge in consumer demand and price increases for these products [3][4]. Market Reaction - Following the announcement, stocks of companies like Ji'an Medical (九安医疗) and Antai Technology (安泰科技) saw significant price increases, with Ji'an Medical rising over 5% on the first trading day after the news [3][4]. - The price of mercury thermometers has skyrocketed, with reports indicating that prices have increased from around 5 yuan to nearly 40 yuan in some cases [3][4]. Consumer Behavior - There has been a noticeable increase in consumers purchasing mercury thermometers, with some buying in bulk, leading to shortages in pharmacies and a tenfold increase in online sales [3][4]. Health and Environmental Concerns - The article highlights the dangers of mercury, noting that a single thermometer contains about 1 gram of mercury, which can pose significant health risks if broken [4][5]. - The environmental impact of mercury thermometers is also discussed, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives due to the toxic nature of mercury [4][5]. Alternative Products - The article mentions the availability of non-mercury glass thermometers that use safer materials, such as gallium-indium-tin alloy, which are becoming more popular as replacements [5][6]. - The cost of non-mercury thermometers is generally higher, with prices ranging from 20 to 30 yuan compared to the lower cost of mercury thermometers [5][6]. Industry Implications - Companies involved in the production of non-mercury thermometers, such as Shanghai Huachen Medical Instrument Co. and Yuyue Medical, are highlighted as key players in the market shift [5][6]. - The upstream suppliers of the materials used in non-mercury thermometers, including gallium, indium, and tin producers, are also expected to benefit from this transition [5][6]. Competitive Landscape - The non-mercury thermometer market faces competition from electronic thermometers, which are noted for their accuracy and safety [7]. - The article emphasizes the importance of choosing certified products and the need for regular calibration of electronic thermometers to ensure measurement accuracy [7].

Core Points - The mercury thermometer will be discontinued starting January 1, leading to a surge in demand and price increases for existing mercury thermometers [1][2] - The price of mercury thermometers has significantly risen, with online prices reaching 15-20 yuan, and some exceeding 20 yuan, compared to previous prices of 2-10 yuan [1][2] - The alternative to mercury thermometers, non-mercury glass thermometers, are more expensive, costing 20-30 yuan, and are made with safer materials like gallium-indium-tin alloy [1][6] Industry Insights - The production of mercury thermometers in China was approximately 120 million units annually, resulting in over 10 tons of mercury needing disposal due to breakage [4] - Major manufacturers of non-mercury thermometers include Shanghai Huachen Medical Instrument Co., Yuyue Medical, and Jiuan Medical, with Shanghai Huachen being the largest producer [6] - The upstream suppliers for non-mercury materials include major metal producers such as China Aluminum (gallium), Zhuhai Group (indium), and Xiyang Silver Tin (tin) [6] Market Dynamics - The non-mercury thermometer market is limited and faces competition from electronic thermometers, which are also gaining popularity [7] - The safety and accuracy of gallium-indium-tin alloy thermometers are comparable to mercury thermometers, but they are positioned as a safer alternative [7] - Companies with capabilities in developing special alloy materials, such as Antai Technology and Yuyuan New Materials, are also noteworthy in this transition [6]