Will you get poisoned if a thermometer breaks?
Nov 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Whether breaking a thermometer causes poisoning mainly depends on the type of thermometer. If a mercury thermometer breaks, immediately open windows for ventilation, wear gloves and a mask, and use tools such as paper sheets or adhesive tape to carefully collect the scattered mercury. Place the collected mercury into a sealed container, label it properly, and dispose of it safely. Never touch mercury directly with bare hands to avoid skin absorption or accidental ingestion.
In general, whether breaking a thermometer can cause poisoning mainly depends on the type of thermometer. If a mercury thermometer breaks, it may lead to poisoning; however, if an alcohol or other liquid-filled thermometer breaks, it typically does not cause poisoning. The details are as follows:
The mercury in mercury thermometers is toxic. If one breaks and you remain in an environment with high concentrations of mercury vapor for a prolonged period, or inhale large amounts of mercury vapor, you may develop symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Alcohol or other liquid thermometers contain alcohol or other non-toxic or low-toxicity liquids. When these thermometers break, the leaking liquid is generally harmless and does not pose a direct risk of poisoning. However, alcohol is flammable, so leakage may increase the risk of fire, and caution should be exercised accordingly.
If a mercury thermometer breaks, immediately open windows for ventilation, wear gloves and a mask, and use tools such as stiff paper or adhesive tape to carefully collect the spilled mercury. Place the collected mercury into a sealed container, label it properly, and dispose of it safely. Never touch mercury directly with bare hands to avoid skin absorption or accidental ingestion.
