Question
If a thermometer breaks by accident, can you use sulphur disinfectant powder for the cleanup? If there’s no sulphur, should you switch to mopping with disinfectant and then use an ultraviolet light for disinfection? Is this approach appropriate?
Answer
The main component of a thermometer is mercury, which poses a hazard primarily through inhalation of its vapors, though it can also cause poisoning through ingestion. However, ultraviolet disinfectant powder is ineffective against this. It is recommended that after a thermometer breaks, you should immediately open the windows for ventilation, and use transparent tape to wrap up any scattered mercury beads before proper disposal. Under the current circumstances, maintaining indoor ventilation for 24 hours and cleaning the environment at the time is sufficient; there is no need to be overly concerned. Additionally, using milk to mop the floor is also a viable cleaning method. Stay calm and follow the above suggestions for handling the situation.