The recent surge in mercury thermometer breakage has raised concerns, with many seeking guidance on cleanup and potential health risks.

Mercury thermometers are commonly used for measuring body temperature, especially during illness such as fever caused by COVID-19. While these thermometers are widely available and affordable, their fragility can lead to accidental breakage, posing safety concerns.

Mercury, also known as metallic mercury, is a liquid metal at room temperature. When a thermometer breaks, the mercury inside spills out, forming small silver beads. These beads can quickly evaporate into mercury vapor if not promptly cleaned up. Mercury vapor is highly toxic, and inhaling high concentrations (above 1.0 mg/m³) within a short time can result in acute mercury poisoning, with symptoms like dizziness, headache, fatigue, and fever.

Mercury of a broken thermometer

Video by Rupesh Yadav

Steps to Handle a Broken Mercury Thermometer

1. Collect the Mercury Beads:

Use a piece of paper or a thin plastic sheet to carefully gather the scattered mercury beads. Avoid touching them directly with your hands or using a vacuum cleaner, as this can disperse mercury vapor into the air. Place the collected mercury and any broken thermometer parts into a sealable plastic or glass container.

2. Seal and Label the Waste:

Securely seal the container and label it as "Broken Thermometer." Dispose of it as hazardous waste in accordance with local regulations.

3. Ventilate the Area:

Open windows to ventilate the room for at least two days. This allows any remaining mercury vapor to dissipate and reduces its concentration to safe levels. Avoid lingering in the room during this time.

Health Risks of Mercury Exposure

A standard mercury thermometer contains approximately 1 gram of mercury. If all the mercury from a broken thermometer were to evaporate in a 15-square-meter room with a 3-meter ceiling, the mercury vapor concentration could reach 22.2 mg/m³—far exceeding the safety threshold of 50 ng/m³ set by environmental air quality standards in China.

Despite these figures, mercury exposure from a single broken thermometer is unlikely to cause severe health issues if the spill is cleaned up promptly and the room is ventilated. Clinical experience shows that broken thermometers rarely lead to acute mercury poisoning.

Precautions and Resources

While it is important to treat mercury spills seriously, there is no need for panic. Proper cleanup and ventilation effectively mitigate health risks. If you have concerns or experience symptoms such as dizziness or headache after a spill, consult a healthcare professional or contact the China CDC Poisoning Consultation Hotline at 010-83132345.

By handling mercury spills promptly and responsibly, potential risks can be minimized, ensuring the safe use of thermometers at home.