Mercury thermometers are still the simplest and most accurate means of measuring temperature. Alas, they have a significant drawback. If this device breaks, chronic and even acute mercury poisoning from a thermometer is quite possible.
Symptoms and severity will depend on several factors:
- Age and he alth status of persons exposed to the poison. Pregnant women, the elderly over 65 years of age, children under 18 years of age, and persons suffering from diseases of the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system should not come into contact with mercury.
- The way the poison enters the body. Mercury is a liquid metal, so it is almost not absorbed from the intestines, passing in transit. Mercury vapor is most dangerous when inhaled.
- Dose of substance and time of exposure.
In what cases can you get poisoned by mercury from a thermometer?
The most dangerous is mercury vapor from a thermometer. Poisoning of moderate severity can occur in the following cases:
- It's hot in the room - mercury evaporates quickly.
- An infected room has a small volume - a high concentration is obtained.
- Mercury fromthermometer hit the heater. The sublimation temperature of this metal is about +40 degrees, so if, for example, it hits a heating radiator, mercury instantly turns into a gaseous state.
A mild degree of 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 the 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 action of mercury on the body is manifested after inhalation of metal vapor and its entry into the blood. The poison affects the brain and causes toxic damage to the respiratory system. Mercury is excreted by the kidneys unchanged, therefore, severe disturbances in the functioning of the urinary system develop, protein and blood are determined in the urine. Also, a significant amount of metal is excreted with saliva, which leads to inflammation of the gums. Such signs are typical if acute mercury poisoning from a thermometer has occurred.
Symptoms of chronic poisoning
Chronic poisoning can be asymptomatic. At the same time, increased fatigue, weakness, headaches, a 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),
- work violationsof the brain: insomnia, fatigue, mental disorders, memory impairment.
Signs of mercury poisoning from a thermometer in severe cases:
- chest pain, cough;
- abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting;
- increased body temperature;
- drooling, loose gums, pain when swallowing.
In extreme cases, 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 the poison on the body, a decrease in the sensitivity of the skin, sweating, frequent urination, menstrual irregularities in women, an increase in the thyroid gland are possible.
Treatment
To clarify the diagnosis, the level of mercury in the room is measured. Such poisonings are, as a rule, massive. If moderate or severe mercury poisoning from a thermometer occurs, treatment is carried out in a hospital. Carry out general measures for antitoxic therapy, prescribe supportive procedures and medications. Inject a specific antidote - sodium thiosulfate.
How to remove mercury without consequences?
If a thermometer breaks in the house, a number of measures are taken to prevent the harmful effects of mercury on the body:
- Do not allow poison to spread to other rooms. Mercury sticks to shoe soles and metal surfaces.
- Close the door toroom, open the window for ventilation. They do not allow drafts, since mercury is a light substance and is carried by air flow.
- Rubber gloves are put on the hands, boot covers are on the feet. For respiratory protection, use a gauze bandage soaked in water.
- The balls of mercury are driven off 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. Mercury is sucked out of hard-to-reach places with a syringe or syringe. Skirting boards are dismantled if necessary.
- All things that mercury has come 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.
- The jar of mercury is handed over to the relevant authorities (call the Ministry of Emergency Situations for clarification).
If the cleaning time is delayed, then every 15 minutes you should take a break and leave the polluted room for fresh air.
In major cities, there are licensed companies dealing with the elimination of toxic pollution in residential premises.
What can not be done if the thermometer breaks?
The consequences of mercury poisoning from a thermometer will be minimal if you follow the rules for collecting toxic waste. The following things are strictly prohibited.
- Collect mercury with a vacuum cleaner: the poison will stick to metal parts and will infect all rooms in the future.
- Sweep with a broom.
- Throw mercury down the chute, down the drain: the pollution will remain for a long time and will be difficult to clean up.
- Wash mercury-contaminated items in the car or flush down the sink or toilet. It is better to throw things away if this cannot be done for some reason - take them out to air in the sun for a long time.
The right steps to remove mercury from a broken thermometer will save 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. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of mercury poisoning-nausea, headaches, gum disease, muscle tremors.
