Mercury is a toxic substance the effect of which manifests in case of inhalation of the vapors of the substance. The breaking of a thermometer or an incandescent bulb is not a cause for panic, as the amount of mercury in them is too small to cause serious consequences. However, since the long-term effects of an even a small amount of mercury vapor are hazardous to humans, the scattered mercury must be collected as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions given below.

1. Collecting scattered mercury
Prevent access to other persons, (and domestic animals!) take it to the mercury dispersal area and ventilate the room.
There are different ways to collect the substance, for this purpose you can use a shovel, a syringe, a pipette or a cotton cloth impregnated with potassium permanganate solution.

Drops of mercury should be gathered with a plastic, rubber, cardboard, etc., scraper to a shovel. The use of a brush is not recommended as it is difficult to wipe mercury droplets into the shovel by brush, and the droplets disintegrate into smaller droplets when exposed to the brush.
Mercury drops can also be collected with a syringe (needleless syringe) or a pipette. For gathering the droplets can also be used cotton swabs impregnated with potassium permanganate solution. Place the used cotton, syringe or pipette in a plastic bag. Do not throw it in the trash bin!

When cleaning, avoid mercury getting onto the body and clothing. Do not carry around the contamination as you move around!

After collecting the substance, ventilate the room with fresh air!

Clothes, carpets, and furniture contaminated with mercury must be aired outside for at least 24 hours!

Mercury does not react with water (also not with hot water). If the thermometer breaks in a hot water cup, allow it to cool again and pour mercury from the cup together with the water into a closed vessel.

2. Put the gathered mercury into a closed vessel.
Put the gathered mercury into a closed vessel.
To prevent the evaporation of mercury contained in the vessel, a layer of water of at least 5 cm thickness may be poured onto the mercury, and then vessel may then be closed.
Store the gathered substance at a temperature below + 20˚C.

3. Taking the mercury to a safe place.
Do not throw the mercury into the trash bin and do not pour it down the sink or a toilet!
Dispose of the hazardous waste as soon as possible to a municipal hazardous waste collection point. A syringe, cotton, pipette, etc. used for cleaning should be brought into the hazardous waste collection point. Hazardous waste collection points are usually located at larger petrol stations. Reception of hazardous waste is free of charge. For information, contact your local municipality.

In case of larger mercury pollution or ingestion of mercury, call 112!
Accidents cannot be completely ruled out. However, by raising your awareness of the potential dangers and the right behavior, you can do a great deal to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Behavior in case of a chemical accident

How do you learn about the danger?