Five reasons to replace mercury thermometers: 1) Since the âStik Thermometer does not contain mercury, it is not subject to government-imposed bans. Government agencies worldwide have either banned or are seeking to ban the use and transportation of industrial mercury thermometersâthis seems to be a growing trend. 2) The stainless steel probe sheath of the âStik Thermometer is far more robust than the glass stem of a mercury thermometer and better suited for industrial environments. And since the âStik thermometer does not contain mercury, the risk of an accidental mercury spill is eliminated. 3) When considering cost of ownership, a digital thermometer is less expensive than a mercury thermometer. With a mercury thermometer, you either invest in equipment or you hire out to clean up after a mercury spill. 4) Mercury thermometers cannot be adjusted after calibration. The actual temperature must be calculated by applying corrections to the measured temperature. This costs time and is susceptible to calculation error. A digital thermometer does the math for youâthe displayed temperature accurately represents the actual measured temperature. 5) Emergent-stem corrections may also be required if the mercury thermometer is not used under the same conditions under which it was calibrated. A digital thermometer doesnât require that you match calibration conditions to achieve an accurate measurement. Youâre only required to meet the minimum immersion requirementsâwhich is only seven centimeters (2.8 inches) in the case of the 1551A Ex.