If you drop and break a thermometer that contains mercury, it's important to minimize exposure to the toxic contents.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers this advice:

  • Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up a mercury spill. Doing so will spread the mercury through the air.
  • For the same reason, don't clean up mercury with a broom.
  • Do not pour mercury down the drain, which can contaminate plumbing and sewage facilities.
  • For the same reason, do not wash clothing contaminated with mercury in a washing machine.
  • Do not wear shoes that could be contaminated with mercury.

Instead, evacuate everyone from the immediate area, open all windows and doors, turn down the temperature, shut all doors to other parts of the house and leave the area. Then, call your local or state health or environmental agency.

A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast. Credit: Newsday

Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.

A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast. Credit: Newsday

Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME