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Mercury Incidents

Mercury thermometer in beaker of liquid

Small amounts of mercury exist in the environment owing to natural and manmade processes. People may be exposed to mercury vapour if they come into contact with broken thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs and mercury has sometimes been used in illegal skin lightening creams.

Information for the public

Guidance for members of the public who may have used illegal skin lightening cream containing mercury, or who may need to clean up after breaking a mercury thermometer or energy-saving lightbulb.

Information for professionals

Background information and response guidelines for professionals responding to incidents involving mercury.