Back

Mercury Thermometers

From time to time Chesprocott Health District gets calls from excited residents with concerns and questions following a breakage of a household mercury thermometer.

First, do not panic. The small amount of mercury in these thermometers is not likely to represent a significant health risk. However, there are appropriate actions you should take to assure that you will not track the material around the house, and so that you can properly clean up the spill while minimizing any exposure risks.

The spilled mercury will volatilize (turn to a gaseous state) in the room if it is not properly removed and represent a higher risk to health.

The following web sites provide information and guidelines for proper cleanup of spills and disposal of the materials:

http://www.dep.state.ct.us/wst/mercury/guidancethemom.htm

http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/bnsdocs/hg/thermfaq.html


Back