Liquid mercury evaporates at room temperature causing elevated levels of mercury in indoor air. Mercury vapour is neither irritating nor has any odour. So people do not know when they are breathing it. Even the small amount of mercury from a broken thermometer can cause harm, especially to children, unless it is properly cleaned up and removed. Where mercury may be found in homes Mercury may be found in thermometers, thermostats, blood pressure units, barometers and gas pressure regulators.
Exposure to mercury can occur when people handle or play with the liquid metal, or when a measuring device breaks and mercury beads scatter onto floors or other surfaces. Spilled mercury is very hard to clean up, especially if it rolls into cracks and crevices, or if it is on fabric, upholstery or other porous material. Effects on Health Mercury is the most toxic substance known to mankind. Ø Routes…
