Is the mercury in the thermometer poisonous if eaten?

Thermometers are commonly used health measurement tools in life. In modern life, many families have thermometers, which are convenient for timely monitoring of body temperature changes and early intervention in disease treatment. Most thermometers are traditional mercury thermometers. The fact that they are wrapped in glass makes them easy to break. It is not uncommon for children to accidentally eat mercury from a thermometer. Let’s take a look at whether eating mercury from a thermometer is poisonous.

The chemical name of mercury is mercury, which can be divided into ionic mercury and metallic mercury. Ionic mercury can be absorbed in the intestines and is highly toxic. It can cause poisoning if ingested accidentally. However, ionic mercury is mostly chemical reagents and is not found in ordinary households. The mercury in the thermometer is metallic mercury, a very inactive metal element. It cannot combine with the protein in fresh milk or egg white, and will not undergo chemical changes or be absorbed in the intestines. Therefore, it generally does not cause poisoning.

Mercury is a heavy metal, but heavy metal poisoning is heavy metal ions. You will not be poisoned by eating mercury. Mercury itself is inactive and will not be converted into mercury ions in the digestive tract. Mercury will usually be excreted within half a day after being accidentally ingested. You can eat more crude fiber foods to excrete it out of the body earlier through defecation.

Mercury is toxic in its ionic state, but very low in its non-ionic state. The mercury in the thermometer is in a non-ionic state, so it is not life-threatening. If a child accidentally ingests the mercury, be sure to help him or her clean the mercury from his or her hands and observe his or her reaction.

Notice:

Mercury and its compounds are toxic. Methylmercury can damage the central nervous system. Ingestion of excessive mercury can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include headache, fatigue, irritability, depression, insomnia, hand tremors, swollen feet, slurred speech, unsteady gait, paralysis of the limbs, whole body convulsions, etc. If the child is fine and has no diarrhea or other symptoms of poisoning. Then there shouldn't be much of a problem. According to the description, children should not consume much mercury. Pay attention to your child's behavior. If there is anything abnormal, it is recommended that you go to the hospital for treatment.