Many people are in search of thermometers that can help them get an accurate temperature reading, especially during these uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more crucial to track one’s temperature, as it is one way to check if one has a fever, which is one of the symptoms of the virus. But with thermometers becoming rare and expensive, some people are looking at alternative devices that can be used to check temperature. One of the devices that come to mind for many people is the food thermometer. Yes, food thermometers can be used to check temperature, but the question is, can you use them to check human temperature? In this article, we will be discussing if you can safely check your temperature with a food thermometer.
What is a food thermometer?
A food thermometer is a device used to measure the temperature of food, ensuring that it is cooked safely and ready to eat. It can come in various types and styles, including digital and analog thermometers. They are designed to withstand high heat temperatures and produce accurate temperature readings in a matter of seconds.
What are the types of food thermometers available?
There are several types of food thermometers available, and below are the most common ones.
Bimetallic Stem Thermometers
Bimetallic stem thermometers are the most common type of thermometer. They consist of a metal stem and a temperature sensor at the bottom. The temperature sensor is usually made of two metals, which respond differently to heat, causing the thermometer to bend. The temperature is then read on a dial or digital display on the stem of the thermometer.
Infrared Thermometers
Infrared thermometers use infrared technology to measure the temperature of the food. They work by detecting the heat energy emitted from the surface of the food item, and the temperature is displayed on a digital screen.
Thermocouple Thermometers
Thermocouple thermometers consist of a metal probe and a digital display. The probe is inserted into the food item, and the temperature is sensed by the metal, which then sends a voltage signal to the display, where the temperature is displayed.
Can you safely check your body temperature with a food thermometer?
No, you cannot safely check your body temperature with a food thermometer. Food thermometers are designed to measure the temperature of food only and are not calibrated to measure human body temperature accurately. They are not designed to be inserted into a human’s mouth, ear, or rectum, making it unsafe to use them for this purpose.
What are the dangers of using a food thermometer to check human temperature?
There are several dangers associated with using a food thermometer to check human temperature, and some of them are as follows:
1. Inaccurate Reading
Food thermometers are not designed to measure the human body temperature accurately. As such, using them to take human temperature can lead to inaccurate readings, making it difficult to determine if an individual has a fever or not.
2. Damage to the Thermometer
Using a food thermometer to check human temperature can cause damage to the thermometer. When inserted into the mouth or other parts of the body, the thermometer can come into contact with moisture, which can damage its internal components, rendering it unusable for measuring food temperatures.
3. Risk of Contamination
Using a food thermometer to check human temperature can lead to a risk of contamination. There are several bacteria and viruses present in the mouth and other parts of the body, and using a food thermometer in those areas can cause the thermometer to become contaminated, which can lead to the spread of infections.
What are the alternatives to using a food thermometer to check human temperature?
There are several alternatives to using a food thermometer to check human temperature. Some of them are as follows:
Digital Thermometers
Digital thermometers are designed to measure body temperature accurately and can be used orally, rectally or under the armpit. They come with a digital display that makes it easy to read the temperature and are widely available in drug stores and online.
Infrared Thermometers
Infrared thermometers can also be used to measure human body temperature. They use infrared technology, allowing the temperature to be taken without making contact with the skin, thereby reducing the risk of contamination.
Mercury Thermometers
Mercury thermometers are also suitable for measuring body temperature. They consist of a glass tube filled with mercury that expands as the temperature rises, making it easy to read the temperature on the scale on the glass tube. However, mercury thermometers are not widely available due to health concerns associated with the mercury.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no, you cannot safely check your temperature with a food thermometer. Food thermometers are not calibrated to measure human body temperature accurately and are not designed for that purpose. Using them to check human temperature can lead to inaccurate readings, damage to the thermometer, and a risk of contamination. It is best to use digital thermometers, infrared thermometers, or mercury thermometers to measure human body temperature accurately.
FAQs
Below are the most common questions about using food thermometers to check human temperature and their answers.
-
Can a food thermometer be used to check a fever?
No, a food thermometer is not suitable for checking a fever. It is not calibrated to measure human body temperature accurately and is not designed for that purpose. -
Can I use a food thermometer on my child?
No, you cannot use a food thermometer to check your child’s temperature. It is not designed to be used on humans, and using it can lead to inaccurate readings, damage to the thermometer, and a risk of contamination. -
What is the best thermometer to use to check human temperature?
The best thermometer to use to check human temperature is a digital thermometer, infrared thermometer, or mercury thermometer. -
Is it safe to use a food thermometer to check my temperature?
No, it is not safe to use a food thermometer to check your temperature. Using it can lead to inaccurate readings, damage to the thermometer, and a risk of contamination.
References
- Weller, D. (2015). “Temperature Measuring Devices: So Many Options.” Food Safety Magazine, retrieved from https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/octobernovember-2015/temperature-measuring-devices-so-many-options/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). “Fever,” retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/creating-storing-treating-water.html
- Food and Drug Administration. (2020). “Digital Thermometers.” retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/general-hospital-devices-and-supplies/clinical-thermometers