Health Consultation: Screening a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), on October 10 and 14, 2008, After a Mercury Fever Thermometer Break in DeWitt, Michigan, May 22, 2009.

摘要

A private citizen called the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and requested assistance with a mercury fever thermometer break in her sports utility vehicle (SUV). The thermometer broke in the backseat on the carpeted floor of the passenger side. Elemental mercury from a thermometer can remain in carpet and off-gas mercury vapor unless the carpet is removed. Depending on the length of the exposure and the amount of mercury vapor, people can develop health effects from breathing in mercury vapor. These health effects include: irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, damage to the stomach and intestines, nausea, diarrhea, or severe ulcers, and a rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure.