Question
Name: Rachel Status: educator Grade: 9-12 Country: Israel Question: Hi, I am a science teacher in a junior high. While teaching about mercury, a few tiny drops of mercury fell on to my hand!! My question is-Is this a danger to my health? Also, there were tiny drops on the table. I carefully picked them all up with a paper towel. Is the surface of the table now unsafe to touch?
Response(s)>
Mercury should never appear in a high school lab. Having happened, sprinkle the area with "flowers" of sulfur. Call your local "hazardous waste disposal" facility -- the fire department will know the contact number and have them get rid of the mercury. While your health is probably not in jeopardy, get rid of the mercury in a safe manner. Vince Calder ====================================================================

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