Mercury Problem

[stickmaker]

Knocked a 20+ year old oral mercury thermometer in its holder off the shelf early this morning, and it hit the edge of the toilette tank. Holder survived intact, but the thermometer broke into one large, one small and a few tiny pieces. Cleaned up the broken glass as best I could by hand, but I didn't find the bulb or any liquid mercury. I spread powdered sulfur around and am letting it set. I plan to clean this from where I can with dampened paper towels, then get the rest from the cracks around the edges of the vinyl flooring with my Kirby. It has a HEPA rated bag, which I will discard after this use. (It was nearly full anyway.)

Any comments? Suggestions? Words for next-of-kin?

Comments

[purpleranger.livejournal.com]

Why the powdered sulfur?

[stickmaker.livejournal.com]

Sulfur forms an amalgam with mercury.

[purpleranger.livejournal.com]

I'll be sulfuramalgamated!

[cafiorello.livejournal.com]

Considering the number of mercury thermometers I have broken and cleaned up over the years with no ill effects, I think you'll be fine. Don't wear gold jewelry while cleaning up, though.

Cathy