Spills and Broken Thermometers

See also: What if I accidentally break a fluorescent bulb in my home?

If you break a mercury thermometer, you need to clean up and dispose of the mercury to prevent the on-going release of mercury to the environment. The Health Care Without Harm website has great instructions for safely cleaning up a broken thermometer. General guidelines include:

• Turn down any heat and ventilate the area so mercury vapors do not build up.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner to pick up the mercury.
• Wear gloves while cleaning up the mercury.
• Pick up the mercury by using a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard to push it onto another piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard.
• Use an eyedropper to pick up smaller drops or mercury spilled in cracks.
• You can also use tape to pick small drops.
• Seal all mercury and all mercury-contaminated materials, including gloves, cardboard, eyedropper, and tape, in a leak-proof container.
• Dispose of this waste at a household hazardous waste collection or by calling a licensed hazardous waste company (there is a charge for this private service).

You can use these same general guidelines for cleaning up a broken mercury lamp.

If you spill a larger amount of mercury, immediately call DEP Spill Response at
1-800-452-4664

 

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