I broke an outdoor thermometer on my balcony (with red liquid inside)?

Question

I was wondering if this red liquid could be mercury...

Are there any potential health hazards to my family?

Answer 1

Here is a site with the pertinent information you inquired about.   Best wishes.

Answer 2

The red liquid is alcohol. Mercury is a silver liquid metal. You will be fine either way, but this red alcohol is safe and should pose no future problems.

Answer 3

The red-colored liquid is alcohol with a red dye in it.  It won't pose any health hazards, but do be careful with the broken glass.

Mercury is a silvery liquid metal.  It is highly toxic, which is why most thermometers use red-colored alcohol nowadays.  

If you were ever to break a thermometer with actual mercury inside, you shouldn't touch the mercury with your bare skin, and you should make sure the area is well ventilated to remove mercury vapors.  Don't put the mercury in the trash, but put it into a sealed container and contact your trash utility/service and ask them what you should do with it instead.  It's considered a hazardous chemical, and can pollute the groundwater.

Answer 4

Almost every thermometer sold for home use has alcohol inside, and this one is no different. The alcohol will evaporate, the red dye can be cleaned up with soap and water, and the glass can be swept up or vacuumed. The biggest hazard from this is getting a cut from the broken glass.