What should you do immediately after dropping and breaking a mercury-filled thermometer?

The appropriate course of action after dropping and breaking a mercury-filled thermometer is to seek assistance from someone experienced and equipped with a Hazardous Materials kit. Mercury is a toxic substance that poses health risks if inhaled or if it comes into contact with skin. Specialized cleanup procedures are essential to ensure that all mercury is safely contained and that the area is thoroughly decontaminated.

A person trained in hazardous materials will know the correct methods to handle the mercury safely, including using protective equipment and proper disposal methods that comply with safety regulations. This is crucial since handling mercury as an untrained individual can lead to serious health and environmental hazards.