What happens when I use metallic mercury unsafely in the home?
At room temperature and especially when heated, elemental mercury produces a vapour that can cause serious lung damage and possible death if inhaled. In addition, as mercury cools, it condenses on household surfaces such as rugs, walls and furniture. These household surfaces can then continue to release low concentrations of mercury vapour slowly into the air. Mercury vapour is invisible, odourless and tasteless, and adults and children breathing this vapour at low levels for weeks or months will accumulate mercury in their bodies and may eventually become ill. Q24. What should I do with a mercury-containing product when it has reached the end of its useful life? Never discard mercury-containing products with household trash. Treat these items as hazardous waste and consult your local municipality for information on proper handling and disposal. Q25. How should I clean up a mercury spill in my home (including a broken mercury fever thermometer)? If mercury is burned, heated, sprinkled
