DO NOT allow children to help you clean up the spill. Electronic components in the thermometer can take very accurate and fast temperature readings. For additional information on health effects, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) provides a Public Health Statement on Mercury that also presents information on health effects related to exposures to vapors from metallic mercury. They are also safe, since they can withstand temperature extremes without breaking. Note: Powdered sulfur may stain fabrics a dark color. First, make sure any children, pets and pregnant women leave the area immediately. If you do NOT see the words “mercury free," then assume that the liquid is mercury. You may want to request the services of a contractor who has monitoring equipment to screen for mercury vapors. Symptoms of mercury poisoning can lead to serious consequences, pathologic conditions that ultimately lead to death. If there is a paper calibration strip inside of the thermometer that includes the words “mercury free,” then the liquid in the thermometer is not mercury. Fold the paper towel and place in a zip locking bag. Most thermometers do not have mercury in them. Is the liquid in the thermometer any color other than silver? Make sure to label the bag as directed by your local health or fire department. Mercury thermometer broke in mouth? Therefore, harmful effects would not be expected from swallowing or touching the small amount of mercury from a broken thermometer. The first thing to remember if you break a mercury thermometer is that the silvery substance contained within those glass tubes has the potential to be highly toxic. What happens if someone is given a real drug but told it's a placebo? Instead, consider a digital thermometer. Once you have decided on which area you will use the thermometer place it there and wait three … A broken mercury thermometer should be handled as an emergency situation requiring immediate attention. It is the organic compounds of Hg that are so toxic. OPTIONAL STEP: It is OPTIONAL to use commercially available powdered sulfur to absorb the beads that are too small to see. Such thermometers use a metal probe to sense temperature. If the thermometer breaks, the mercury may be breathed in or absorbed (soaked) into your skin. Hand shake. Remember to keep the area well ventilated to the outside (i.e., windows open and fans in exterior windows running) for at least 24 hours after your successful cleanup. If sickness occurs, seek medical attention immediately. The mercury can easily penetrate into the pile of carpets, in cracks of floors, in the gap between the baseboard and the floor. Question: : The other day, I had a fever and was taking my temperature. If a glass thermometer breaks while checking an oral temperature, the mercury may be swallowed. It makes the mercury easier to see since there may be a color change from yellow to brown; and. before the electronic … Even in the last 20 years, most thermometers that are sold are dyed alcohol. EPA recommends that consumers use mercury-free thermometers, but not does not endorse, recommend, certify, authorize or approve of any specific brand of mercury-free thermometer. Still have questions? This morning, I took my temperature with a mercury thermometer (about 8 or 9 hours ago) and I had a weird feeling about it, being paranoid about hazardous materials. $8.67 $ 8. Your experience underscores the importance of eliminating all mercury-containing thermometers. However – other factors to consider: Considering we put these thermometers in our mouth and other parts of the body, the risk is heightened even further. Many people have a mercury thermometer in their home. About half an hour ago my 4 year old son broke the mercury thermometer in his mouth . Only 15 left in stock - order soon. Ok when i was like 7 or 8 i didnt want to go to school..so i ran it under really hot water and then put it in my mouth.When i put it in it broke in my mouth and the mercury leaked out.I wiped it off and just threw the thermometer away.Well my mom new but neither she or i new how toxic it was.Im 17 and wondering why nothing happened if its so toxic or harmful can something still be go wrong even if it happened like 10 years ago, Metallic mercury probably just was passed. Thermometer for Adults, Oral Thermometer for Fever, Medical Thermometer with Fever Alert, Memory Recall, C/F Switchable, Rectum Armpit Reading Thermometer for Baby Kids and Adults #1 Best Seller Mercury-Free, Glass, Oral Thermometer C/F Mercury is a dangerous metal. Secure the bag and label it as directed by your local health or fire department. Since a thermometer can be made with many other liquids, there are almost no mercury thermometers in use any more; only some left from decades ago. Make sure to label the bag as directed by your local health or fire department. Place all materials used with the cleanup, including gloves, in a trash bag. I guess you didn’t swallow it, so you should be ok. 5.8K views If you have further questions, then please call your local poison control center at 1 (800) 222-1222. Note: Mercury can move surprising distances on hard-flat surfaces, so be sure to inspect the entire room, including any cracks in the floor, when searching. Almost everyone is able to resist some quantities of mercury. Small droplets will combine into a larger sphere shape, which will roll on a flat surface and break back into smaller droplets if dropped or if pressure is applied. Instead, put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves and carefully pick up broken glass or plastic with a paper towel. Warnings. 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