Important Information About Mosquito Control

Mercury

Mercury thermometers can be easily broken if dropped during use and there are newer safer alternatives. 

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that is a liquid at normal room temperatures.  Mercury has many useful properties and is used in many household and industrial products.  Mercury can be found in thermometers, barometers, thermostats, dental fillings, blood pressure devices, fluorescent light bulbs, electrical switches and even in some tennis shoes that light up. 

Fluorescent light bulbs can be brought to the Vernon County Recycling Facility any time during business hours. 

All other devices containing mercury will be accepted only at the annual Clean Sweep Program held on the last Saturday in September at the Vernon County Recycling Facility.

Exposure to mercury can be harmful to human health.  While metallic mercury generally does not absorb very well if it is swallowed, breathing its vapors is very dangerous.  When metallic mercury is touched it can slowly pass through the skin.  Short term exposure to high levels of mercury can cause neurological effects such as confusion, hand tremors, chills, chest tightness, bronchitis, pneumonia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, bleeding gums, leg pain, a burning sensation in the feet, lung and kidney damage, and skin rashes.  Even more serious effects can occur with continued exposure to mercury.

Mercury is a fast-moving liquid and spreads quickly, so promptly containing and controlling both the liquid and its vapors are very important.  Liquid mercury evaporates at room temperature and gives off harmful, invisible, odorless vapors. 

Small mercury spills (less than the size of a dime) can be cleaned up by using stiff paper to push the beads of mercury together, then using an eyedropper to suction the beads of mercury.  The mercury should then be placed in a sealed container.  Any remaining beads of mercury should be picked up with sticky tape and all clean up materials should be placed in a plastic bag.   Always wear gloves when cleaning up mercury spills. 

Never use a vacuum to clean up mercury spills.  Not only will the mercury contaminate your vacuum, but the heat from the vacuum will evaporate the mercury; further distributing it throughout the house.  Similarly never use a broom to clean up mercury; it will only distribute the mercury into smaller beads and contaminate the room.

Mercury waste needs to be placed in vapor-proof, sturdy, unbreakable containers to prevent re-contamination if the container is dropped.  Mercury waste should not be put in the regular trash.  Mercury should be recycled through a mercury recycling program or a hazardous waste contractor.  Homeowners can also recycle mercury using household hazardous waste collections.    

A hazardous materials professional or environmental cleanup contractor should handle mercury spills larger than a dime size puddle.

For more information click here for a printable brochure.

If you have questions about mercury exposure and clean-up, call Vernon County Health Department at 637-5251.