Will I get poisoned if a thermometer breaks?
Oct 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xuemei
Introduction
Whether breaking a thermometer can cause poisoning depends on the surrounding environment. A thermometer is an instrument used to measure human body temperature or the temperature of objects. It contains mercury. If a thermometer breaks, the mercury may leak out. Mercury is a volatile metal, and in a small, enclosed space, its vapors may accumulate and potentially lead to mercury poisoning.
In general, whether breaking a thermometer can cause poisoning depends on the surrounding environment. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Possible
A thermometer is an instrument used to measure body or environmental temperature. Thermometers contain mercury. If a thermometer breaks, mercury may leak out. Mercury is a volatile metal; if this occurs in a small, enclosed space with poor air circulation, the concentration of mercury vapor in the air may rise and lead to mercury poisoning, causing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and other discomforts.
2. Unlikely
If the breakage occurs in a large, open area with normal air circulation, the concentration of mercury in the air will remain low, making mercury poisoning unlikely.
If a thermometer breaks, it is recommended to use adhesive tape to collect the mercury droplets, thereby reducing mercury vaporization into the air. If symptoms of mercury poisoning occur, prompt medical attention is advised.
