Mercury use is being reduced in health care and other applications around the world because of its toxicity and
pollution potential. Since it is volatile, spilled mercury can be inhaled by staf and patients if it is not cleaned up
properly, but a simple spill kit can be cheap and effctive. Where mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers
are still in use, medical staf should be supplied with a spill kit and trained in how to use it. Any spill larger than a
thermometer should be dealt with in consultation with the local health and safety authority. Brushes and vacuum
cleaners should never be used for spilled mercury. Mercury can be cleaned up easily from wood, linoleum, tile and
similar smooth surfaces. It cannot be completely removed from carpets, curtains, upholstery or other absorbent
materials. Th affcted portion should be isolated and disposed of in accordance with offial guidelines. For more
information on spill clean-up