What do you do with mercury?

Answer 1

Yes, if it is a small spill and you have the right supplies. Spills are considered small if there are less than 10 grams of mercury present (a pool about the size of a quarter). Thermometers, thermostats and light bulbs all contain less than 10 grams of mercury.

What if it is a large spill?If the spill is larger than the size of a quarter, you should contain the spill (see the next question), then leave the area. Immediately call the local health department and a contractor who specializes in cleanup of toxic spills, as well as notify the property owner. It is a good idea to contact your State environmental agency for a list of contractors who cleanup toxic spills, so that you have phone numbers handy should you need them. If a spill occurs outside of regular business hours, call the local fire department.

In cases where you spill one pound of mercury or more to the environment, you are legally required to report the spill to the National Response Center: (800) 424-8802. You should also contact your local Emergency Planning Committee. Find your local committee and write down its phone number now in case you need it later.

A spill of one pound or more can occur if a container of mercury is spilled, or if mercury is spilled from a large device such as a manometer, flow meter, gas flow regulator, or industrial relay. Since mercury is very dense (more than 13 times as dense as water), one pound of mercury does not take up much space-approximately 34 milliliters or a little more than two tablespoons

Answer 2

Mercury is a toxic substance that poses serious health risks, so it should be handled with extreme caution. It should not be ingested, inhaled, or touched. Proper disposal methods must be followed to prevent environmental contamination.

Answer 3

Metallic mercury is moderately toxic and very slowly evaporates. The most likely route for hazardous exposure to metallic mercury is via the respiratory route.

Answer 4

Mercury is commonly used in thermometers, barometers, vapor lamps, and batteries and in the preparation of chemical pesticides.

Answer 5

iron