Mercury thermometers have long been a common household medical device. However, when a thermometer breaks, the mercury inside can pose a serious health risk. Read on to understand the dangers of mercury and learn how to safely clean up a broken thermometer.
1. Are Broken Mercury Thermometers Dangerous?
Mercury thermometers contain a small amount of mercury, approximately 0.61 grams according to the EPA. However, this mercury is highly toxic. Mercury is a volatile substance and can easily evaporate at room temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius. Inhaling mercury vapor can lead to mercury poisoning.
If you accidentally swallow mercury from a broken thermometer, there is no need to panic. Pure mercury is poorly absorbed through the skin and the digestive tract (around 0.01% through a healthy gut). It will be completely excreted from the body within a few days without causing any symptoms. However, if you have digestive issues such as intestinal inflammation or perforation, mercury can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause acute poisoning.
When a mercury thermometer breaks, the mercury is released into the air. Inhaling mercury vapor directly can lead to mercury poisoning. The mercury enters the lungs, passes through the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream, and then reaches vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, spleen, and central nervous system. This can cause severe pneumonia, memory loss, seizures, vomiting, and intestinal inflammation. In cases of exposure to large amounts of mercury, acute poisoning can occur, and there is a risk of death.
Broken Mercury Thermometer
2. How to Safely Clean Up a Broken Mercury Thermometer
When a mercury thermometer breaks, the mercury inside will spill out. At this point, mercury will be in a liquid state, forming small round beads. To protect the health of your family, ask them to move to another room. Then, put on gloves, a mask, and get ready to clean up the mercury.
You can use a piece of cardboard or thin paper to collect the mercury beads. Do this gently to avoid spreading the mercury and making it harder to clean up. Once you’ve gathered the beads, place them in a glass jar and seal it tightly. You can also use egg yolk to cover the beads and make them less volatile.
Use gloves and a mask to collect mercury beads
After cleaning up the mercury, open all the doors and windows for a few hours to ventilate the room. The jar containing the mercury beads should be tightly sealed with multiple layers of plastic bags, with clear labels, before disposing of it in a designated hazardous waste bin. Do not pour mercury down the drain or into gutters as it can contaminate water sources.
If your clothes come into contact with mercury during the cleanup process, it is best to discard them or wash them thoroughly. Soak the contaminated clothing in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then wash them with soap and water at a temperature of 70-80 degrees Celsius for another 30 minutes. Next, soak them for 20 minutes in hot water mixed with a chemical solution, and finally, rinse them with cold water.
If any family members, especially children, show signs of mercury poisoning such as difficulty breathing or nausea, take them to the nearest medical facility for immediate attention.
Place mercury beads in a sealed jar and wrap with multiple layers of plastic
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on how to safely handle a broken mercury thermometer. Stay safe and healthy!
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