A man found a kilogram and 400 grams of mercury in the basement of an apartment in Sofia. Although he immediately reported to 112 and the Sofia Municipality, he did not receive clear instructions on how to react. Today, the dangerous substance was seized, but it turns out that in cases like this, the actions of the institutions are not regulated, BNT reported.
Boyan Atanasov comes across an unusual find while clearing out his parents' basement - a bottle of metallic-colored liquid. He immediately realizes that the substance is mercury and reports to 112 and the Sofia Municipality.
Cases like Boyan's are not uncommon, and there is no strictly defined plan of action. The fire department takes action when the mercury has direct contact with the air and people or when the substance has an unknown owner.
However, the responsibility for disposal lies either with the owner himself or with the municipality - when the substance is in a public place. In all cases, mercury must be secured due to its harmful effects on human health.
And while the substance is being disposed of, it is mandatory to store it in tightly closed airtight containers.