Boy believed to touch mercury from broken thermometer

A nine-year-old boy is believed to have touched a chemical after a thermometer fell and broke in his family home in Taman Wah Keong, here this morning.

The victim, identified as Cham Ee Heing, had been taken to hospital by his parents for examination and further treatment.

Head of Operations at the Ipoh Fire and Rescue Station, Khamis Harun said firemen were rushed to the location of the incident after receiving a report at about 8.30 am today.

"Upon arrival, firemen found the mercury from the broken thermometer on a table and we spread sulphur to absorb the chemical," he said when contacted here today.

Khamis said his team had cleaned the area using bleaching liquid to ensure it was safe.

He said the operation completed at 9.15 am. -- Bernama