Cleaning up mercury - & kids??

Question

My son broke a thermometer and I didn't find any mercury anywhere. It was a very short thermometer, one for a fishtank. Just like the one I cited below. Should I throw him in the tub to make sure the mercury is off him?? I'm so confused & don't know what to do.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752255

It solidified & has small black balls where it is exposed to air. Is that mercury?

Answer 1

I don't know, but I believe that people WAY over react to Mercury.  Yeah it is dangerous in large amounts but not the amount in the those thermometers.  My parents and grandparents use to play with Mercury.  He is fine, but if you would feel better then throw him in the tub!

Answer 2

you never can be too careful with mercury. better to be safe than sorry so throw him in the tub

Answer 3

yep, id put him in the tub just to make yourself feel better. and yes, that is was mercury looks like from a tank thermometer. i would vacum the entire area (or mop hard floor) and throw the bag way to be safe. my daughter di the same thing, she had it, and when i took it from her, i dropped it right next to her, and it shattered. i did everything i just told you to do, and then calle dthe doc to be safe. and he said i did everything right!! you only need to be extremely concerned if he ingested it, or picked up and put in his mouth. h**l be fine !!

Answer 4

When I was a kid the stuff that came out of the thermometer was cool, and we broke many. I am now 43 and show no ill effects. Unless he brakes many more I would not worry to much.

Answer 5

Remove kids from room open a window, wear latex gloves and put the broken thermometer in plastic sealed and dispose, you really should call in a pro for clean up. Did the mercury fall on carpet? you should cut and remove that carpet section.  I would think the mercury has already absorbed the skin.  It's worth a call to poison control.

Answer 6

the small black balls are the mercury but they wont be solid they just appear solid. You need to ensure you get all of the mercury that was spilt. I suggest you call poison control and get  their advice on disposal and about your son. I dont think a bath will make much of a difference.