Even a common small thermometer containing about 3 grams of mercury can turn from a measuring device into a real problem.
Even a common small thermometer containing about 3 grams of mercury can turn from a measuring device into a real problem.
Mercury is classified as an extremely hazardous substance. Its vapours cause severe poisoning, especially when combined with other metals, affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and other internal organs. Prolonged exposure to mercury vapours, which can arise even from small droplets of the metal that have rolled into cracks, is particularly dangerous.
Firefighters remind you:
- If you break a thermometer, first of all, take everyone out of the room. Open a window for ventilation.
- If mercury has rolled onto a table or floor, do not try to wipe it with a rag – this will only spread the substance and increase the evaporation surface.
To collect mercury, prepare: a jar filled with water and a tight lid, a regular brush, a rubber bulb syringe, a paper envelope, adhesive plaster, a wet newspaper, a rag, and a potassium permanganate solution. Using a brush, you can collect the largest mercury beads into a paper envelope. Then, use the rubber bulb syringe to collect smaller beads, and "stick" the smallest droplets to the adhesive plaster. Place all collected mercury into the jar with water and close it tightly. Never use a vacuum cleaner!
Afterwards, carry out wet cleaning of the room. For floor treatment, use a potassium permanganate solution or a soap-soda solution (400 grams of laundry soap and half a kilogram of soda ash or baking soda per 10 litres of water). After wet cleaning, ventilate the room.
The further disposal of the collected mercury can be advised by the duty officer by phone.