What to do and how to collect mercury if a thermometer crashes

It is regrettable and sorry that we think about how to collect mercury if the thermometer crashes later than we should. This question belongs to the group of the most important, does not tolerate negligence and tantrums, you only need a clear understanding of what to do and how to be in a difficult situation. We will talk about how to collect mercury if a thermometer crashes.

Mercury (Hg)

Mercury (Hg) is nothing but the chemical element of the periodic table. At its core, it is a metal, in normal conditions it takes a liquid form, and then evaporates. In the solid and liquid state it is not dangerous, evaporation is terrible. And it will begin to evaporate as soon as it leaves the sealed space. Therefore, mercury in a thermometer is, in principle, not dangerous for us, but as soon as it leaves its limits, it begins to evaporate and poison with poisons.

Signs of poisoning and its consequences

How to recognize mercury poisoning? Difficult. Symptoms of poisoning are similar to many other diseases. Moreover, prolonged intoxication (poisoning) leads to damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs. Adversely affects the nervous system, skin and digestion. In pregnant women, it leads to fetal damage. If a thermometer crashes, you must strictly follow all the rules for eliminating and eliminating intoxication. Namely, to collect spilled mercury and protect others.

What to do and how to collect mercury

If a thermometer crashes, first of all it is necessary:

1. remove children, pregnant women and animals from the premises;

2. put on shoe covers, rubber gloves and a protective mask (respirator);

3. prepare a tight-fitting jar of water, a syringe, a pipette, adhesive tape, thick but thin paper;

4. open the windows for ventilation and turn off the systems of artificial air regulation (air conditioners, split systems, fans);

5. in bright light, assemble the glass and balls of mercury manually using prepared materials;

6. in no case use brooms, vacuum cleaners, mops and other household utensils (they will have to be thrown away).

The process and technology of cleaning the room

So, how to collect mercury if a thermometer crashes:

1. Using two sheets of paper, carefully collect the glass and balls of mercury, transferring them to a jar filled with water. The balls are perfectly connected to each other, so rolling up small grains to each other, you will be more likely to pick up one large specimen from the floor.
2. If mercury got on the upholstery of a sofa, rug or carpet with a low pile, then you have a chance to collect grains with adhesive tape (scotch tape), and if this is not possible (carpet pile is too high), you will have to say goodbye to your favorite thing.
3. The grains of mercury rolled up in the corners are most easily pulled out with a syringe or tweezers;
4. 
   Also, experts recommend the active use of sulfur. It is necessary to sprinkle balls of mercury with it, after which it will become non-volatile and non-toxic. Then collect in a jar.
5. Mercury can be treated with iodine (if you are not afraid to spoil the thing). By reacting with iodine vapor, it becomes non-toxic.
6. In the end, you will need to wash the floors in the room with soap and soda solution and ventilate it for 24 hours.
7. All materials used during cleaning must be discarded and the mercury must be handed over to the special detention center by calling the rescue service (number 112) in advance, where they will tell you how and when to do it.