Safety Concerns After Breaking a Mercury Thermometer in a Baby's Room

Breaking a mercury thermometer?

Hello Dr.
Liao,
I would like to ask a few questions.
A week ago, I accidentally broke a mercury thermometer in a room where my baby was present, and mercury spilled out.
I used tape to try to collect the visible mercury, including in the gaps of the floor and areas where it might have splashed.
I also opened the windows and turned on a fan for ventilation, and blocked the doorway with clothing to isolate the room.
However, during the cleanup process, some mercury may have been stepped on and spread.
I checked the floors in other areas and rooms, and did not see any mercury beads.
I am worried that there might still be some mercury that I cannot see.
It has been ventilated for a week now, and my baby and I are currently sleeping in another room.
I would like to ask a few questions:
1.
Our family does not show any obvious acute poisoning symptoms.
My baby (1.5 years old) has some rashes on his body (which I am unsure if they are due to the hot weather), but otherwise seems fine.
Is there a possibility of chronic poisoning? Should we get urine or blood tests for mercury?
2.
How long does this room need to be ventilated before it is safe for my baby to sleep in?
3.
Mercury is considered most toxic in vapor form.
Will the mercury vapor that is not visible or has not been cleaned up adhere to the clothing or items in this room?
Thank you, Doctor, for your guidance.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/29

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, mercury is the only heavy metal that is liquid at room temperature.
The toxicity of mercury and the organs affected often depend on its form, which can generally be categorized into elemental, inorganic, and organic forms.
Elemental mercury in liquid form can easily evaporate into gas at high temperatures.
Since the gastrointestinal tract does not readily absorb metallic mercury, accidental ingestion typically results in minimal toxicity.
However, inhalation of mercury vapor through the lungs can lead to poisoning.
(The above information is referenced from Clinical Medicine 2007; 59: 62-71).
If you are concerned about potential exposure, you may consider paying for a blood and urine test to measure mercury levels.
Please note that online consultations do not equate to medical treatment and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2019/04/29

More Info

When a mercury thermometer breaks, especially in a room where a baby resides, it raises significant safety concerns due to the toxic nature of mercury. Here’s a comprehensive response to your questions based on medical knowledge and safety guidelines.

1. Acute and Chronic Mercury Poisoning: Mercury exposure can lead to both acute and chronic health issues. Acute mercury poisoning is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, insomnia, memory problems, headaches, and changes in mood or behavior. Chronic exposure, even at lower levels, can lead to more subtle symptoms, including cognitive deficits and developmental delays in children. Given that your family does not exhibit acute symptoms, it is reassuring, but it does not entirely rule out the possibility of chronic exposure. The presence of a rash on your baby could be unrelated to mercury exposure, but it’s essential to monitor for any other symptoms. If you have concerns about potential mercury exposure, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional who may recommend urine or blood tests to measure mercury levels.

2. Ventilation Duration: The room should be well-ventilated for an extended period to ensure that any residual mercury vapors dissipate. Generally, it is recommended to ventilate the area for at least 24 to 48 hours after cleaning, but given that it has already been a week, you may consider it safe to re-enter the room. However, it is crucial to ensure that the area has been thoroughly cleaned and that no mercury beads remain. If you have any doubts, it might be prudent to wait longer or consult a professional for a thorough cleanup.

3. Mercury Vapor and Residue: Mercury vapor is indeed a concern as it can linger in the air and settle on surfaces. While visible mercury beads can be cleaned up, the vapor can adhere to clothing, furniture, and other items in the room. It is advisable to wash any clothing that may have been in the vicinity of the spill and to clean surfaces with a damp cloth to capture any residual mercury. If you suspect that mercury may have contaminated items in the room, consider removing those items or cleaning them thoroughly.

Additional Safety Measures:
- Professional Cleanup: If you are uncertain about the thoroughness of your cleanup, consider hiring a professional hazardous waste cleanup service. They have the expertise and equipment to safely remove mercury and ensure that the area is safe for your baby.

- Monitoring Health: Keep an eye on your baby and family members for any unusual symptoms. If any symptoms arise, seek medical attention promptly.

- Education on Mercury Safety: Familiarize yourself with the dangers of mercury and the proper handling of thermometers and other mercury-containing devices to prevent future incidents.

In summary, while your immediate actions to contain and clean the spill were commendable, ongoing vigilance is necessary to ensure that no residual mercury poses a risk to your family. Consulting with healthcare professionals for testing and advice on further actions is highly recommended to ensure the safety of your baby and family.

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