Prevention:
To help reduce your chances of getting mercury toxicity, take the following steps:
Avoid using metallic mercury for any purpose
If you must use metallic mercury, keep it safely stored in a leak-proof container in a secure space (eg, a locking closet)
Trade in old thermometers or barometers containing mercury for new ones that do not
Carefully handle and dispose of items containing mercury (eg, thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs)
Do not vacuum or heat spilled mercury
Teach children not to play with silver liquids
Properly dispose of old medications containing mercury
Keep mercury-containing medications away from children
Learn about wildlife and fish advisories in your area from your local public health or natural resources department
Limit fish intake to recommended quantities and avoid fish known to be especially contaminated by methyl mercury
If you spill a small amount of metallic mercury (eg, a broken thermometer):
Remove children from the area.