MDCH - Mercury Spills

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Mercury Spills

broken mercury thermometer with spilled mercury beads

You might be surprised to learn that many things around your house have mercury in them. Some thermometers, thermostats, and antiques like barometers and clock pendulums can have large amounts of mercury. When spilled, mercury scatters into silver puddles and beads that give off an invisible vapor that is heavier than air. Breathing this vapor is a health hazard especially for young children and the fetus carried by pregnant women. The information found below can help you make decisions about what to do when a mercury spill happens at your home, school, or business.

Why should you be concerned about mercury? Watch the Mercury Vapor and Don't Mess With Mercury videos.

National Mercury Alert from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Control Registry

Indoor Mercury Spills - Step by Step Cleanup Instructions

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Electric Lamps and Ballasts

Mercury Spills and Your Pet

Mercury Spill Questions & Answers

Cleanup Fact Sheet for Customers

Protect Young Visitors To Your Home From Mercury

Michigan laws that limit the sale and use of mercury

Where can you get rid of mercury? Visit Operation Clean Sweep or Earth911.org. Be sure to package your mercury containing item safely, for example inside two zip-type plastic bags, to prevent a spill while transporting the item.

Do you need more information? Call your local health department or the Michigan Department of Community Health, 1-800-648-6942.