Thermometers with a silver line contain elemental mercury. Silver-coloured liquid elemental mercury may be released when the thermometers are broken. Fortunately, elemental mercury from a thermometer is not well absorbed from the stomach and will pass into the stools if swallowed. Elemental mercury is also not well absorbed from the skin. Mercury spills on carpets or cracked surfaces can be dangerous as the liquid mercury is slowly converted to a poisonous vapour over days to weeks. A large, one-time inhalation exposure may result in chills, metallic taste, headache, weakness, shortness of breath and cough. Some people may get an allergic rash to mercury. First Aid Wash the exposed area well with soap and water. Increase ventilation in the room with outside air and close the room off from the rest of the house. How do I clean up a mercury spill? Wear gloves when cleaning a mercury spill. Remove gold jewellery before cleaning the spill, as the mercury can stain it. Gather up mercury into a leak proof container using something stiff like a credit card. An eyedropper or scotch-tape may also be used. Throw the container into the rubbish bin. Throw away items that have been exposed to mercury. Wash hands well with soap and water after cleaning. Do not vacuum or sweep mercury as this may break up the mercury into smaller droplets and can contaminate the room. use household chemicals to clean the spill. Some chemicals will react with mercury and release a toxic gas. pour mercury down the sink as it may stay in the plumbing. wash clothes contaminated with mercury in the washing machine as it may get contaminated with mercury.