2007-10-28 14:23:44 · 2 answers · asked by James the Just 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
YES.... absorbing significant quantities of mercury into your body can cause permanent damage to your nervous system. It will not incapacitate you immediately, and being near it is not much of a problem, but you DON'T want to handle it or touch it at all. You should contact your local waste facility and ask about procedures for dealing with hazardous waste... you may even need to have someone else come and dispose of it. In the meantime, don't disturb it.
2007-10-28 14:31:49 · answer #1 · answered by mnrlboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The mercury can be absorbed through the skin, and it can also evaporate into the air and be breathed in. If it's in your house, use some paper or cardboard to scrape it up (kind of like using a dustpan) and seal it in a glass jar. Take it to your science teacher for proper disposal, or find out when a hazardous materials collection is scheduled for your area. Do not flush it, put it down a drain, or throw it away in the usual garbage.
2007-10-28 21:31:56 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋