体温计摔碎了会中毒吗

Generally speaking, whether breaking a thermometer can cause poisoning depends on the type of thermometer. Breaking a mercury thermometer may lead to mercury vapor exposure and potential poisoning, while breaking an electronic thermometer typically does not pose a poisoning risk. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If a mercury thermometer breaks, the metallic mercury inside will leak out and quickly evaporate into mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is toxic; prolonged inhalation in a confined space may irritate the respiratory tract, causing discomfort such as coughing and chest tightness. In severe cases, it can damage the nervous and digestive systems. In such situations, windows should be opened immediately for ventilation, and the mercury droplets should be carefully collected using stiff paper cards into a sealed container. Avoid direct skin contact or using a vacuum cleaner, as this could spread the mercury further.

If an electronic thermometer breaks, since its internal components mainly consist of circuits and sensors without toxic substances, the breakage only results in device damage and does not release harmful materials. Therefore, there is no risk of poisoning. Simply dispose of the broken parts properly, taking care to avoid injury from sharp edges.

When using thermometers daily, handle them gently and avoid impacts or dropping. For households with children or pets, it is recommended to use electronic thermometers to reduce the risk of mercury leakage. If a mercury thermometer is accidentally broken, promptly clean it up following proper procedures to minimize health risks.