Dealing with mercury spills requires caution, as mercury is a toxic substance and can release harmful vapors. It's essential to follow proper cleanup procedures to minimize exposure and ensure safety.
Based on your description, you've taken some initial steps to mitigate the risk, but I'd advise you to take further precautions:
Vacuum Cleaner: Regular household vacuum cleaners are not designed to handle mercury spills and may actually disperse the mercury vapors further into the air. Using a vacuum cleaner is generally not recommended for cleaning up mercury. It's best to avoid using it for this purpose.
Professional Cleanup: For larger spills or if you're unsure about the extent of the contamination, it's best to contact a professional hazardous material cleanup service to handle the situation safely.
Safety Gear: When dealing with mercury spills, it's important to wear appropriate safety gear, including disposable gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact and inhalation of any vapors.
Ventilation: Continue to keep the windows open to allow fresh air to circulate and help disperse any remaining mercury vapors.
Mercury Collection: Use an eyedropper or sticky tape to carefully collect any remaining visible mercury beads. Place the collected mercury and contaminated materials in a sealed container and contact your local hazardous waste disposal center for guidance on proper disposal.
Cleanup of Bedding and Sheets: If there were mercury droplets on the bedding and sheets you threw outside, consider disposing of those items properly to avoid any potential contamination to others. Again, consult with your local hazardous waste disposal center for guidance on how to handle this.
Cleanup of the Vacuum Cleaner: If you used the vacuum cleaner to clean up any mercury, it's important to take precautions with the vacuum cleaner itself. If possible, it's best to avoid using the vacuum cleaner for other purposes until it has been thoroughly cleaned and checked by a professional to ensure it's safe to use again.
Always prioritize safety and be cautious when dealing with mercury spills. If there's any uncertainty or if the spill was significant, contact a professional for proper cleanup and disposal. Additionally, follow your local regulations and guidelines regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous materials like mercury.