Common Causes Of Mercury Contamination

Broken Thermometers

Broken thermometers can expose individuals to liquid mercury, as older thermometers use the metal to measure temperature. The glass bulb at the bottom of the thermometer is filled with mercury. As the temperature increases, the metal expands into the graded tube. Since these thermometers are made of glass, a hard impact can break the tube, spilling mercury onto nearby surfaces. While touching mercury is not recommended, it is not toxic to the touch. In order to pick up as much mercury is possible, it is best to sweep it onto a dustpan with a squeegee. Dabbing the area with duct tape can pick up small particles of the metal as well. It is important to remove as much of the mercury as possible as it will slowly vaporize at room temperature, releasing toxic mercury vapor.

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Exposure To Certain Pieces Of Jewelry

Exposure to certain pieces of jewelry can also lead to a liquid mercury spill. The jewelry in question is commonly manufactured in Mexico. It is normally a necklace with a glass pendant filled with mercury. Sometimes coloring is added to the bulb to give the piece a unique look. The liquid metal flows in its container as it swings back and forth. However, like glass thermometers, these pendants can break on impact, spilling liquid mercury. Although it is a liquid, mercury should never be poured down a drain as it can contaminate waterways downstream. Once the metal is properly cleaned from surfaces, it should be taken to the closest hazardous waste collection center for responsible disposal.

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