Is It Dangerous to Break a Thermometer

Liquid mercury vaporizes (evaporates) at room temperature causing elevated levels of mercury in indoor air. … Even the small amount of mercury from a broken thermometer can cause harm, especially to children, unless it is properly cleaned up and removed.

What happens if you break a thermometer?

The small silvery ball in a mercury thermometer can be dangerous if the glass breaks and the mercury is not cleaned up properly. The mercury will evaporate and can contaminate the surrounding air and become toxic to humans and wildlife.

Can mercury from thermometer kill you?

Mercury is a neurotoxin, meaning it attacks the nervous system and brain. … In extreme cases, mercury poisoning can lead to coma and death. However, the symptoms of mercury poisoning can be reversed in adults. It takes about six months to a year for the body to naturally remove mercury once the exposure stops.