MUAR: A broken thermometer, spilling 15ml of mercury, stirred panic among medical staff and patients at the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital, here on Monday.
A Johor Fire and Rescue Department hazardous material (Hazmat) team operation chief Saiful Bahri Safar said an eight-member team from Pekan Nanas was deployed to handle the situation and arrived at the hospital at 4.15pm.
"There were several staff and patients waiting for their turn at the X-ray room when it happened. There was panic when they saw the thermometer fell and broke.
"Fortunately, no one was directly exposed to the mercury. The hospital attendant and others in the room underwent medical checks and were given the all clear," said Saiful Bahri.
He said the hazardous material was contained within 30 minutes.
"We managed to secure the situation and prevent any possibility of spread.
"The Hazmat team conducted stabilising work for mercury bonding, and the substance was contained. We advised the (hospital) to refer to the environmental quality authority during the process of disposing the hazardous substance," he said.
Mercury has a very adverse effect on the human nervous system upon exposure.
Direct exposure to mercury can pose a health risk of chronic poisoning. Alkyl mercury compounds can cause permanent impairment of brain functions including speech, sight, and muscular coordination condition called Minimata disease.