Reply #54: Ok, see post 53. I agree about paranoia, but...!

[Buzz Clik]

Mercury is a toxin. Some pretty serious studies have found that the accumulation of mercury in cracks and crevasses of drawers and floors in old laboratories has lead to some pretty serious ambient mercury vapor concentrations in those labs and adjacent rooms. Prolonged exposure to even these kinds of levels can lead to heightened sensitivities, allergic reactions, and chronic toxicity symptoms.

Where I work, all mercury thermometers were collected and disposed. Seriously, imagine the potential problem when a mercury oven thermometer is broken and the mercury is inside the oven. An unsuspecting person opening that hot oven is going to get a real faceful.

So, respect mercury. Minimize exposure. But holy crapoli, keep it perspective!