Safety and disposal methods for mercury thermometers

Mercury is a toxic substance, so handling and disposing of mercury thermometers requires great care.

Safety Precautions

• Handle with Care: Always handle the thermometer carefully to prevent it from breaking.
• If it Breaks: If a mercury thermometer breaks, never touch the mercury with your bare hands. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, as this will vaporize the mercury and spread it into the air.
  1. Ventilate the room by opening all windows.
  2. Wear rubber gloves.
  3. Use a piece of cardboard or an eyedropper to carefully collect the mercury beads.
  4. Place the mercury and all broken glass into a sealed, airtight plastic container or glass jar.

Disposal Methods

• Do Not Throw in Regular Trash:Never dispose of a mercury thermometer or spilled mercury in the regular garbage, as it can contaminate the environment.
• Contact Local Authorities: The correct disposal method is to take the sealed container to a local hazardous waste collection facility. Contact your local municipality or pollution control board to find the designated collection site in your area. Many hospitals and pharmacies also have collection programs for mercury-containing devices.