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Does Facial Skin Contact With Mercury Liquid From A Thermometer Require Medical Attention?
Question: yesterday day night accidentally Mercury thermometer broken and Mercury got spilled over my wife face and chest area. She washed herself and now she didn't have any effect because of the spill. we also cleaned all our clothes and living room. Due you think is there anything that we have to worry about in future?
Brief Answer:
Mercury thermometers are banned for this reason
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Mercury is a toxic metal and mercury thermometers are banned for this reason. Digital thermometers are to be used.
Hope she did not inhale mercury. The protocol is:
A face mask must be put on in case of a spill.
The clothes that came in contact with mercury should be discarded. People should evacuate the room until its completely clear of mercury fumes. Ventilation of room should be towards the outside house.
Remove the jewellery so that it does not come in contact with mercury. Wear gloves that can be discarded.
Clean surfaces of all the mercury beads with a dropper or syringe, Collect all mercury in a plastic bag, seal it, label it and send to a hospital to dispose of it carefully. Throw away any brooms that were used for its cleaning.
If any new symptoms are seen then immediately visit a hospital.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Vaishalee Punj, General & Family Physician
Mercury thermometers are banned for this reason
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Mercury is a toxic metal and mercury thermometers are banned for this reason. Digital thermometers are to be used.
Hope she did not inhale mercury. The protocol is:
A face mask must be put on in case of a spill.
The clothes that came in contact with mercury should be discarded. People should evacuate the room until its completely clear of mercury fumes. Ventilation of room should be towards the outside house.
Remove the jewellery so that it does not come in contact with mercury. Wear gloves that can be discarded.
Clean surfaces of all the mercury beads with a dropper or syringe, Collect all mercury in a plastic bag, seal it, label it and send to a hospital to dispose of it carefully. Throw away any brooms that were used for its cleaning.
If any new symptoms are seen then immediately visit a hospital.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Vaishalee Punj, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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