ChE Faculty, Staff and Students, During the recent safety inspections, we observed several labs where mercury thermometers are in use or stored for back-up temperature measurement. Mercury, when spilled, forms droplets and emits hazardous vapor. Clean-up of spilled mercury is tricky and expensive and accounts for 75% of REM's clean-up efforts. As part of hazard and pollution prevention, Purdue has a mercury replacement program in place (https://www.purdue.edu/rem/hmm/mercinfo.htm). REM has identified suitable replacements for mercury thermometers and has personnel who can help you with choosing the best replacement. We need to do the right thing and eliminate mercury thermometers in ChE in 2011. Thank you for your follow-up. Contact any of the safety committee members if you have questions. Linda Linda S. Davis Industrial Education Director Chair, ChE Safety Committee (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ChE/AboutUs/Safety.html) School of Chemical Engineering Purdue University 480 Stadium Mall Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47907-2100 Phone: (765)496-1710 lsdavis@purdue.edu