Reading Broken Thermometer Incident Highlights Mercury Spill Risk

READING, MA — The Reading Fire Department has warned residents about the dangers of exposed mercury after a broken thermometer in a home last week led to concern about contamination.

Reading FD Chief Greg Burns said tests indicated there was no contamination. But the incident required the intervention of the State Hazmat Team, which is part of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. The Environmental Protection Agency also was notified, Burns said.

According to Reading FD reports, at about 8 p.m. on Feb. 8, the department received a call from a resident who said a thermometer that contained mercury had broken on the carpet.

The resident told authorities that they had cleaned up the spill and sealed and removed all contaminated items prior to the arrival of the Reading FD.

According to Reading fire officials, Lt. Paul Dalton was at the scene and said he was concerned there could be remaining contamination in the home. The State Hazmat Team was called.

Ultimately, the Hazmat team used a special meter to determine that the home was not contaminated, the Reading FD said.

Fire officials said the Reading FD was on the scene for two hours, and the Reading Department of Public Works (DPW) also assisted with the proper disposal of the contaminated items.

After the incident, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services also issued a warning about mercury, which is a natural heavy metal that is toxic to people and wildlife.

According to Mass.gov, Mercury often is found in florescent light bulbs, thermometers — especially older thermometers — thermostats and a range of other products. It is extremely hazardous to touch or eat or to breathe mercury vapors, which are even more dangerous for children and pregnant women.

According to Mass.gov: "If you have a mercury spill at home from a broken thermometer or fluorescent light bulb, call 9-1-1 right away. Keep children and pets far away. Don't track it around the house or try to clean it up yourself."

Officials also recommend opening the windows for more ventilation if there is a worry about mercury contamination.

Chief Burns said residents can identify spilled mercury by its unique appearance, which he described as a thick, shiny fast-moving liquid metal that can break up into little balls that re-form when pushed together.

Burns said mercury vapors become even more dangerous when heated.

"An unexpected way to heat up mercury and produce vapors occurs when a vacuum cleaner is used to clean up a mercury spill," Burns said. "Never vacuum up mercury from a broken thermometer."

Burns said immediate effects of inhaling mercury include: difficulty breathing, chest pain, vomiting and headache.

The chief also indicated that if vapors, even in small concentrations, are not cleaned up immediately, they can cause longer-term effects like: shaking, difficulty walking, weakness, headaches, loss of appetite, gum inflammation, red skin, high blood pressure, rapid pulse, kidney damage and personality changes.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said one easy way to prevent mercury poisoning is to replace mercury thermometers in the home. The department said residents should check with their community about household hazardous waste drop-off.

More information about mercury spills at home can be found at Mass.gov. Residents can call 866-9MERCURY for information about safely disposing of mercury thermometers and other products.