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What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning from a broken thermometer?

Jan 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, if a thermometer is broken and not properly handled, the mercury may volatilize into the air and cause poisoning when inhaled or contacted by the human body. Symptoms of poisoning may include skin contact reactions, respiratory system symptoms, nervous system symptoms, digestive system symptoms, and systemic symptoms. However, please note that the above symptoms may not necessarily occur, and the severity varies depending on individual differences.

Generally, if a mercury thermometer is broken and not handled properly, the mercury may volatilize into the air and cause poisoning when inhaled or contacted by the body. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include skin contact symptoms, respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms, digestive system symptoms, and systemic symptoms. The specific manifestations are as follows:

1. Skin Contact Symptoms

Metallic mercury has certain irritant and corrosive properties on the skin. If mercury comes into contact with the skin, it may cause skin allergies, manifested as redness, itching, and rashes.

2. Respiratory Symptoms

After mercury vapor is inhaled into the lungs, it may damage lung tissue. Inhalation of mercury vapor may irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as chest tightness, coughing, excessive phlegm, and fever.

3. Neurological Symptoms

Mercury vapor can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed via circulation to various tissues and organs throughout the body, including the brain. Long-term inhalation of mercury vapor or significant exposure to mercury may damage the nervous system, resulting in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, vivid dreams, palpitations, and excessive sweating. In severe cases, tremors, paralysis, and other psychiatric and neurological symptoms may appear.

4. Digestive System Symptoms

Mercury can bind to sulfhydryl-containing enzymes and proteins in the body, thereby affecting their activity and damaging the digestive system. If children accidentally ingest mercury from a broken thermometer, it may lead to heavy metal poisoning, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hematuria.

5. Systemic Symptoms

Mercury poisoning may damage the body's temperature regulation center, leading to hypothermia and thus causing systemic symptoms such as chills, confusion, bradycardia, and pale skin. At the same time, mercury poisoning may also affect the immune system, leading to a decrease in the body's resistance.

However, note that the above symptoms do not necessarily occur, and their severity varies among individuals. If you suspect yourself or a family member has mercury poisoning, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of the situation. The doctor will make a comprehensive assessment based on the patient's specific symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory test results, and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, when handling a broken mercury thermometer, be sure to take the correct measures to prevent mercury vaporization and human exposure.

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