I recently broke a thermometer and I tried to vacuum it up, but the mercury wouldn't go through the vacuum. I then did a quick google search on how to handle this and found out that you are never to vacuum mercury because it vaporizes it and releases more of the toxins into the air. Should I be worried that I tried to vacuum it? Is my kitchen a huge toxic zone now? I opened windows and let the air flow for 15 minutes but I am kind of worried now.
2007-10-23 09:28:11 · 3 answers · asked by Vibhav G 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
Don't worry. You will be just fine. A vacuum will not vaporize the mercury.
2007-10-23 09:39:36 · answer #1 · answered by Alan B 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It takes heat to vaporize mercury. If it had been vaporized you wouldn't be here now, it is very fast and deadly. It is also a hazard if you touch it. It is absorbed by the skin. Being a heavy metal it is bad for you. But you need a large dose to get sick because it needs to build up in your system. I also doubt it was mercury, most manufacturers don't use it any more.
2007-10-23 16:40:10 · answer #2 · answered by dude 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
see if you have a bio hazard waste facility in your community. If you do give them a call and explain what happened. It may cost you some $$ but they may come out and check and also rid you of the mercury, as you just can't toss it in the trash.
2007-10-23 16:36:33 · answer #3 · answered by Diane B 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋