Question
If a mercury thermometer accidentally breaks, and some mercury is scattered and not discovered or cleaned up in time, will it pose a harm to humans when they are exposed to this environment for a long time? What is the level of harm?
Answer
Mercury, or elemental mercury, is the only liquid metal at room temperature and pressure, widely present in nature, and in trace amounts in the bodies of animals and plants. In small amounts, mercury that evaporates into the air usually does not penetrate through the skin or mucous membranes to cause poisoning. If a mercury thermometer breaks, it is recommended to ventilate and exchange the air for 24 hours immediately to ensure safety. Under the current circumstances, there is no need to be overly concerned, but it is still advisable to maintain environmental ventilation and seek professional cleaning to avoid potential risks.