Ban on mercury thermometers to take effect soon

China will ban the production of mercury-containing thermometers and blood pressure monitors from Jan 1, aiming to curb mercury pollution and reduce spill risks as safer alternatives are suggested for customers.

The prohibition stems from a notice jointly issued by several government agencies in 2017. The document outlined a series of measures to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury — a global treaty China ratified to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.