Antique Clocks May Leak Mercury

June 2007

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has alerted consumers that antique clocks pose a risk of mercury poisoning. Old pieces often used the toxin for multiple purposes, and it may leak out of the clocks and cause serious damage to internal organs.

Antique clocks may contain mercury as a backing for mirrors, in vials used to weight clock pendulums, and as ballast in the bases of barometers, thermometers, and lamps. As the clocks begin to age, pieces may easily break off and mercury may leak out.

Mercury has been found to damage the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs and immune system if it comes in contact with the skin or if it is ingested. Any pieces containing the toxin should be removed and replaced if possible, but mercury should never be drained or dumped residentially.