Very simply. I broke a fluorescent light bulb in my hand and the mercury went...

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stocklera1184

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...everywhere as well as the glass.? Is there any perm. damage caused? Am I safe?

Every detail is important. this happened just 5 mins ago.
okay, i read online that they only contain a trace amount of mercury, so whoever wrote the first response is a moron.
I just opened the windows, but i have been breathing in the same room for 30 mins.

My throat feels just a little groggy, is that anything?
 
We actually used to take old mercury and play with it in our hands when I grew up. Probably not the smartest thing to do, but I haven't suffered any ill-effects yet. If you got it all off as soon as it happened, you should be fine, but if you're absolutely concerned about it, hit up an Urgent Care. To clean up the mess, wear protection, and don't get it on you.

edit:

Be sure to check out your hand very closely to be sure you've gotten all the little glass shards out if you broke it on your hand!
 
You're probably ok. Wash your hands and look for symptoms such as paresthesia or itching, burning or pain, skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes), edema (swelling), and dead skin that peels off in layers. You get these see a doctor or if you're pregnant, see a doctor. It's reversible.

Interesting side note, when Lewis and Clark went west, one of the only medicines they had was a mercury based compound they gave to members of the expedition when they got sick from drinking river water, etc. Campsite along their route were identified by looking for concentrations of mercury in old latrines. Natives didn't have "Thunder Pills".
 
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