Mercury Cleanup (Spills and Broken Thermometers)

• Remove everyone from the area where cleanup will take place. Shut the door of the impacted area. Turn off the ventilation system. Do not allow or gain assistance from children. Remove all pets as well, and remove any jewelry and watches from your hands because mercury will bond with the metal.
• Mercury can be cleaned up easily from the following surfaces: wood, linoleum, tile, and similar hard surfaces.
• If a spill occurs on carpet, curtains, upholstery, or similar soft surfaces, these contaminated items should be thrown away in accordance with the disposal guidance outlined below. Cut and remove only the affected portion of the contaminated carpet for disposal.

Checklist: items needed to clean up a small mercury spill

• 4 to 5 ziplock-type bags
• Trash bags (2 to 6 mm thick)
• Rubber or latex gloves
• Paper towels
• Cardboard or squeegee
• Eyedropper
• Duct tape, or shaving cream and a small paint brush
• Flashlight
• Powdered sulfur (optional)

Mercury cleanup instructions

1. Put on rubber or latex gloves.
2. If there are any broken pieces of glass or sharp objects, place them on a paper towel. Fold the paper towel and place it in a ziplock bag. Secure the bag and label it.
3. Use a squeegee or cardboard to gather mercury beads, making slow sweeping motions to keep the mercury from spreading. A flashlight can help you locate additional glistening beads of mercury that may be sticking to the surface or in small cracked areas. Note: Mercury can move surprising distances on hard, flat surfaces, so inspect the entire room when searching.
4. Use the eyedropper to collect or draw up the mercury beads. Slowly and carefully squeeze the mercury onto a damp paper towel. Place the paper towel in a ziplock bag and label it.
5. After you remove larger beads, put shaving cream on a small paint brush or duct tape and gently “dot” the affected area to pick up smaller, hard-to-see beads. Place the paint brush or duct tape in a ziplock bag and secure it. Label the bag as directed by your local health department or Utah DEQ.
6. The use of commercially available powdered sulfur to absorb beads that are too small to see is optional. Sulfur (1) makes the mercury easier to see because there may be a color change from yellow to brown, and (2) binds the mercury so that it can be removed more easily and suppresses the vapor of any remaining mercury. Powdered sulfur may be included in mercury spill kits, which can be purchased from laboratory, chemical supply, and hazardous materials response supply manufacturers. Note: When using powdered sulfur, do not breathe in the powder, as it can be moderately toxic. Powdered sulfur may also stain fabrics a dark color. Users should read and understand all product information before use. You may want to request the services of a contractor who has monitoring equipment to screen for mercury vapors. Consult your local health department or Utah DEQ to inquire about contractors in your area.
7. Place all materials used for the cleanup, including gloves, in a trash bag. Place all mercury beads and contaminated objects into the trash bag. Secure the trash bag and label it as directed by your local health department or Utah DEQ.
8. Take the trash bag outside.
9. Wash your hands and face.
10. Contact your local health department for proper disposal in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
11. Keep the area well ventilated to the outside (for example, windows open and fans running) for at least 24 hours after cleanup. Continue to keep pets and children out of the cleanup area. If anyone becomes sick, seek medical attention immediately. If there are young children or pregnant women in the house, seek additional advice from your local or state health department.
12. When a break happens on carpeting, homeowners may consider removing throw rugs or the area of carpet where the breakage occurred as a precaution, particularly if the rug is in an area frequented by infants, small children, or pregnant women.
13. If the carpet is not removed, open the window to the room during the next several times you vacuum the carpet to provide good ventilation.

⚠️ Caution: The general public should only clean up small mercury spills on flat surfaces that are no greater than the amount contained in a thermometer.

If you estimate your mercury spill to be greater than the amount in a thermometer, isolate the contaminated area and call your local health department or Utah DEQ.

Mercury cleanup instructions

1. Isolate the area.
2. Turn down the temperature.
3. Open windows.
4. Do not let anyone walk through the mercury.
5. Do not vacuum.
6. Contact your local health department or the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.