Know How To Clean Up A Mercury Spill

So you’ve broken a product that contains mercury. How do you clean it up without harming yourself and/or your family?

Do’s

• Call your local health department and inform them of the situation
• Immediately remove children from the area
• Use a flashlight to help you locate the spilled beads
• Clean up the silver mercury beads with paper or index cards
• Place mercury into a plastic bag or airtight container, as well as the paper and eye dropper used to collect it

Don’t’s

• Avoid using a vacuum cleaner or broom, as these release mercury vapors into the air and keep an area contaminated after clean-up
• Hold off using towels or rags to soak up mercury, as this breaking up the beads and spreads it
• Stay away from household cleaning products to clean the spill, such as ammonia or chlorine that will react violently with mercury and release a toxic gas
• Take off your gold jewelry while cleaning up; the mercury can permanently discolor it
• Because mercury is tasteless and odorless, always take caution since you won’t know if you are being contaminated

Proper treatment also depends on where the spill occurs.

On a Smooth Surface

1. Use two pieces of thick paper or plastic (such as index cards) to scoop all the tiny beads into a sealable, plastic container
2. If necessary, use an eyedropper to capture the mercury beads; tape will help pick up small pieces
3. Wipe the area with a damp sponge
4. Place all clean-up materials in the sealed, plastic container with the mercury for proper disposal

On a Rug, Carpet or Upholstery

Cut out or remove the affected area since mercury can split into tiny beads and never be detected.

Once the Mercury is Cleaned Up, Dispose of it Properly

Place everything that has been in contact with mercury in a sealed, marked plastic containers and contact your local household hazardous waste (HHW) program. Use the Earth 911 locator to find the nearest HHW facility.

If you spill more than a thermometer’s worth of mercury, you should get professional help in cleanup.

If contact with mercury occurs, call your State, or National Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.