Mercury thermometers are still the easiest and most accurate way to measure temperature. Alas, they have a significant drawback. If this device breaks, it is quite possible chronic and even acute mercury poisoning from a thermometer.
Symptoms and severity of the course will depend on several factors:
- Age and health status of persons exposed to the poison. Pregnant women, elderly people after 65 years old, children under 18 years old and people suffering from diseases of the liver, kidneys, respiratory system should not be exposed to mercury.
- The way the poison enters the body. Mercury is a liquid metal, therefore it is almost not absorbed from the intestine, passing in transit. The most dangerous mercury vapors are inhaled.
- The dose of the substance and its exposure time.
When can I get mercury poisoning from a thermometer?
The most dangerous mercury vapor from a thermometer. Moderate poisoning can occur in the following cases:
- It’s hot in the room - mercury evaporates quickly.
- The infected room has a small volume - a large concentration is obtained.
- Mercury from the thermometer hit the heater. The sublimation temperature of this metal is about +40 degrees, so in case of contact, for example, with a heating radiator, mercury instantly passes into a gaseous state.
Mild poisoning or a chronic course of the disease is usually observed if the rules for collecting spilled mercury have been violated. Often this happens if the balls of metal imperceptibly rolled under furniture or under the baseboard.
At high concentrations, mercury can be absorbed into the blood through the skin and mucous membranes.
Symptoms of Acute Poisoning
The effect of mercury on the body appears after inhalation of metal vapor and its entry into the blood. The poison acts on the brain and causes toxic damage to the respiratory system. Mercury is excreted by the kidneys unchanged, so severe disorders in the functioning of the urinary system develop, protein and blood are detected in the urine. Also, a significant amount of metal is secreted with saliva, which leads to gum inflammation. Such signs are characteristic if acute mercury poisoning from a thermometer has occurred.
Symptoms of Chronic Poisoning
Chronic poisoning can be asymptomatic. In this case, increased fatigue, weakness, headaches, metallic taste in the mouth are noted . If mercury poisoning from a thermometer occurs, the symptoms add up to the classic triad:
- bleeding gums
- small trembling of the muscles of the limbs (tremor) ,
- brain disorders: insomnia, fatigue, mental disorders, memory impairment.
Signs of mercury poisoning from a thermometer in severe cases:
- chest pain, coughing;
- abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting;
- increase in body temperature;
- salivation, friability of gums, pain during swallowing.
In an extreme case, pneumonia develops, bloody diarrhea and death occurs in 2-3 days.
If mercury poisoning from a thermometer has occurred, the symptoms are usually erased or appear slightly, indicating a mild degree of damage. With prolonged exposure to poison on the body, a decrease in skin sensitivity, sweating, frequent urination, menstrual irregularities in women, and an increase in the thyroid gland are possible.
Treatment
To clarify the diagnosis, measure the level of mercury in the room. Such poisoning is usually massive. If there is moderate or severe mercury poisoning from a thermometer, treatment is carried out in a hospital. They carry out general measures for antitoxic therapy, prescribe supportive procedures and medications. A specific antidote is introduced - sodium thiosulfate.
How to remove mercury without consequences?
If a thermometer crashes in the house, a number of measures are taken to prevent the harmful effects of mercury on the body:
- Do not allow the spread of poison to other rooms. Mercury adheres to the sole of the shoe and metal surfaces.
- They close the door to the room, open the window for ventilation. They do not allow drafts, since mercury is a light substance and is carried by a stream of air.
- Rubber gloves are put on hands, shoe covers are placed on legs. To protect the respiratory system, use a gauze bandage soaked in water.
- Balls of mercury are driven away with a sheet of paper and poured into a jar of cold water. Small drops can be collected with adhesive tape, adhesive tape or a wet newspaper. From hard-to-reach places, mercury is sucked out with a syringe or syringe. Skirting boards are removed if necessary.
- All things that mercury came into contact with are put in a plastic bag and disposed of. The floor and other smooth surfaces are wiped with a solution of bleach or potassium permanganate.
- A jar of mercury is handed over to the appropriate authorities (call the Ministry of Emergencies for clarification).
If the cleaning time is delayed, then every 15 minutes you should take a break and leave the contaminated area for fresh air.
In large cities, there are licensed companies involved in the elimination of toxic pollution in residential premises.
What can not be done if the thermometer crashes?
The consequences of mercury poisoning from a thermometer will be minimal if the rules for the collection of toxic waste are observed. Categorically you can not do the following things.
- Vacuuming up mercury: poison will stick to metal parts and will infect all rooms in the future.
- Sweeping with a broom.
- Dispose of mercury in the garbage chute, drain into the sewer: pollution will remain for a long time, and it will be difficult to eliminate.
- Wash mercury-contaminated items in a car or drain water into a sink or toilet. It is better to throw things away, if it is impossible to do this for some reason - to take it out for airing in the sun for a long time.
The correct steps to remove mercury from a crashed thermometer will protect you and your loved ones from poisoning. After all the manipulations, take 2-3 tablets of activated charcoal, rinse your mouth with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, brush your teeth and drink more liquid. If you experience symptoms of mercury poisoning - nausea, headaches, gum disease, muscle tremors - consult your doctor.