Explanation:
Acid spills
These types of spills should be neutralized with base like sodium bicarbonate and then must be cleaned up by using paper towel or sponge. Strong base like sodium hydroxide must not be used to neutralize. Best base to use is sodium bicarbonate which has much less chance of the injury.
Mercury spills
Mercury is found commonly in the thermometers. If one have mercury spill, it must be cleaned up immediately with either commercial product like Hg Aborb ™ or by using elemental sulfur. Mercury sponges can also be purchased that form amalgam with liquid mercury and thus trapping it on surface of sponge.
