Mercury thus spilled will remain in cracks and crevices for years. Mercury enters the body through the lungs and the skin. Thus it is advisable to minimize your exposure over your lifetime insofar as possible. We have special methods for dealing with Mercury spills. If you break a thermometer, Do Not Attempt to clean up the spill.
Many toxic chemicals can enter the body directly through the skin.
Chemicals which may not be noticed on the hands may do damage if the eyes are rubbed, or may enter the body later while eating. It is good practice to wash the hands from time to time during the lab period and it is imperative that you thoroughly cleanse the hands at the conclusion of the lab period. To this end, students are required to provide hand soap and a hand towel by the second week of lab. Most chemical burns in the lab are associated with the handling of strong acids. In the event that blistering or tissue damage has occurred, see the instructor immediately after flooding the area with water.