I just broke a Bulb with mercury in my bedroom; should i throw my sheets away?

Question

I had a little lamp by my bed to read at night and threw a sock at my cloths basket, but hit the lamp knocking it down and it broke. Around the area it broke were some work cloths, so i just wrapped them up and put them in a bag and threw them away. However i didnot wait the recomended 15 mins the EPA site states. I did cover my face w/ a shirt, which after i also threw away. So if i breathed some gas how harmfull will it be to me. Also will it be short term or long term?

Answer 1

Funny, years ago we used to play with the mercury out of a broken thermometer and watch it roll around in our hand.  No one ever told us it was unsafe.  I wouldn't recommend doing that in this day and age but I would guess that no more exposure you had that it shouldn't be harmful.  You can try calling the poison control center in you area, it should be listed in the phone book and see what they tell you.  That would be your best bet.