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Ask
Hello doctor! I just broke the thermometer on my body near the face, and the mercury fell out, if I inhaled the mercury, is it harmful or fatal? I would like to thank the doctor.
E Kien (1997)
Reply
Hello! Mercury in thermometers is a very toxic form of pure mercury. However, because mercury is not significantly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (about 0.01% through the healthy intestine), besides the amount of mercury in the thermometer is quite small, a few days later the mercury will be excreted without cause any symptoms of poisoning or death. So you can rest assured.
In case if you accidentally break the thermometer, you should use a wet cotton stick or thin paper to collect the mercury, put the mercury particles in a sealed glass jar. If possible, sprinkle some sulfur powder on it because sulfur reacts with mercury to form compounds that are more difficult to evaporate. If sulfur is not available, egg yolks can be substituted for the same effect.
After cleaning, you have to open all the doors to let the area air out for a few hours, then you can go back to normal activities. Clothes that have been contaminated with mercury should be discarded, if you want to use them again, wash them thoroughly. It is recommended to soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then soak for 30 minutes in soapy water at a temperature of 70-80 degrees, and then soak for another 20 minutes in high-temperature water mixed with chemicals. Finally rinse with cold water.
Thank you for submitting the question, is mercury inhalation harmful or fatal? sent to Vinmec Health System. Wishing you good health always.
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