Mercury: How do you deal with in a broken thermometer?

Question

Friend is stuck with one and is in no condition to make it to the hazardous waste dump?

Answer 1

Throw it in the trash. Inside the thermometer contains liquid that can damage skin. Buy another 1 at dollar general or walmart.  

Answer 2

if it is red it isn't Mercury. if it is silver don't touch. in fact coat your hands with a thick coat of powder or  oil or Vaseline then use something to scoop it up with.it wont come up with a rag or paper towel or anything like that. you have to push it to where you want it to go. if you can get it into the trash okay. a battery, florescent lamp or similar recycle will work if you have that available with minimal trouble. if you have any rash or 'burning or numbness' following this go to to the dr and tell them you may have Mercury contamination. it won't kill you but it isn't good for you and it wont go away without  some help. tmm

Answer 3

Mercury is most dangerous when the temp. is high enough to cause vaporazation. The vapor affect the brain.

Answer 4

there isn't enough to worry about.  Put it in a jar and throw away, we throw away more in CFL's in a day than that amount.use a thin piece of paper to pick up. Waste hands good and do not sniff it.

Answer 5

You handle it the same way you would a florscent light bulb.

wipe it up with a damp cloth, and dispose of it in the trash.