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A mercury thermometer exchange program for parts southwest Ohio is scheduled to come to an end tomorrow.

The Hamilton Department of Environmental Services, which serves Butler, Warren, Hamilton and Clermont counties, will finish out its Catch the Fever program Thursday.

Residents of Butler County, however, can take advantage of the mercury thermometer drop-off through Sept. 27.

The goal of the exchange program is to reduce mercury — which can be deadly — in homes throughout the region, according to the department.

Short-term exposure to mercury can cause nausea, shortness of breath, severe headaches and fatigue. Long-term exposure to the liquid metal can cause vision, speech and hearing impairments, respiratory problems and death.

Mercury thermometers should be double-bagged in Ziplock bags when they're exchanged.

Through Sept. 27, Butler County residents can turn in thermometers runs from 2 to 7 p.m. at Environmental Enterprises Inc., 10163 Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

For more information, contact the Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at (513) 946-7700.