1.   An Arlington state representative is sponsoring a bill to ban the sale of mercury thermometers in Massachusetts.

2.   For best cookie-baking results, be sure the temperature or your oven is accurately calibrated by using a mercury oven thermometer to check it.

3.   Improper disposal of batteries and mercury thermometers has added to the problem.

4.   In addition, never, never discard a mercury thermometer into the trash.

5.   In general, because alcohol contracts more than mercury in cold weather, mercury thermometers are more accurate.

6.   Major drugstore chains say they will cooperate by replacing depleted stocks of mercury thermometers with electronic models.

7.   Pediatricians say the safest route is to stick with mercury thermometers.

8.   The sale of household mercury thermometers was banned in Boston last year and Governor Paul Cellucci is expected to introduce legislation to ban the sale statewide.

9.   This month, state officials filed a bill to ban mercury thermometers and better label mercury products.

10.   But he said parents should take their mercury thermometers to a hazardous-waste collection center instead of throwing them in the trash.