A N A C T
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "Health and Safety" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
CHAPTER 24.8
MERCURY FEVER THERMOMETERS
23-24.8-1 Prohibition against sale of mercury fever thermometers. -- (a) No mercury fever thermometer may be distributed, sold or offered for sale in this state on or after January 1, 2002, except by prescription. As used herein, the term "mercury fever thermometer" includes any device containing mercury wherein the mercury is used to measure the internal body temperature of a person.
(b) The ban shall not apply to digital thermometers utilizing mercury-added button cell batteries.
(c) The manufacturers of mercury fever thermometers distributed, sold or offered for sale in this state on or after January 1, 2002 shall supply clear instructions on the careful handling of the thermometer to avoid breakage and information on the potential health risks associated with exposure to mercury from a damaged or broken thermometer.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.