Flight Safety Regulations: A thermometer can cause a plane crash! Why is thermometer banned in airplanes..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 22 Mar, 2025

The most convenient way to travel long distances is by plane. However, traveling by plane also has its protocols (Airplane Security Rules), which are made for the safety of all. Everyone has to follow these protocols. If you do not follow them (Flight Safety Regulations), then you will not be allowed to go on the plane.

Keeping safety in mind, there is a ban on carrying some things on the plane. One of these things is thermometers (Thermometers Banned In Flight). Yes, the same thermometer, with which fever is measured. You may be a little surprised to know, but you cannot carry a mercury thermometer in the plane. Why is this so, we will tell you in this article.
Toxic effect of mercury
Mercury is a heavy metal, which is very toxic for humans. It is very harmful to the human body, especially to the nervous system, kidneys, and brain. If the thermometer breaks and mercury comes out, it can evaporate into the air and pose a serious health risk to passengers. This problem becomes even more serious in the closed environment of the plane because there is very limited air movement.
Aircraft safety
The presence of mercury in the plane is a major safety risk. Mercury can react with other metals, especially aluminum, which is mainly used in the construction of airplanes. Aluminum can weaken when it comes in contact with mercury, causing damage to the structure of the plane. This can pose a serious threat to the safety of the aircraft and passengers.
International rules and restrictions
Given the dangers of mercury, aviation authorities do not allow mercury-containing devices to be carried on the plane. These rules have been made for the safety of passengers and flight crew.
You can carry a digital thermometer.
Nowadays, digital thermometers are easily available in the market in place of mercury thermometers. These are safer than mercury. So if needed, you can carry a digital thermometer instead of a mercury thermometer on a plane.

Now you know that mercury thermometers cannot be carried on a plane and you also know the reason why you cannot carry them. So next time when you travel by air, do not carry a mercury thermometer with you.
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