Spills
If you break a glass thermometer or fluorescent light, in Massachusetts call 1-866-9MERCURY (1-866-963-7287) for expert advice on safe clean-up methods. Notify the local health department and ask if they have a mercury spill kit. DEP staff will advise you on further actions.
- Do not vacuum a mercury spill. This will contaminate the vacuum cleaner and will circulate more mercury in the air.
- Do not use a broom or brush, they just break up the mercury into smaller beads.
- Never pour products containing mercury down the drain.
- Never throw mercury in the trash. It is best to use the services of a qualified and licensed contractor.
If You Do it Yourself
- Contain the spill with towels.
- Keep mercury out of drains, cracks and crevices.
- Use a medicine dropper to collect the liquid mercury.
- Place all items used to collect the mercury in an air tight jar.
- Turn off heating and air conditioning systems until the clean-up is complete as they will circulate the mercury vapors.
- Keep people and pets away from spill area.
- Gather all towels, jars and anything contaminated with mercury and place in a trash bag, seal tightly and bring to a hazardous waste drop off center.
- Wash the area to remove any residue.
- Take a shower if you came in contact with mercury.
- Inform your doctor and ask about further medical attention.
Once mercury contaminates clothes, carpet, floors, furniture and walls, it is very difficult to remove.
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Mercury spill clean up site
- A PDF version is available at the bottom of the page linked above.