Thermometers are devices used to measure body temperature that we have used for a long time. And currently, mercury thermometers are still used. But did you know that there is a plan for all countries to permanently stop using them? Because mercury thermometers can cause harm to the body and the environment.
Mercury
Mercury is one of the four hazardous substances that may be found in our homes. Including carbon monoxide, cigarette smoke, mold, and mercury. The source of mercury in homes often comes from food contamination. Especially in large ocean fish such as sharks and tuna. Since these large fish have a long lifespan and eat small fish, they are likely to have a lot of mercury accumulated in their bodies. Mercury in the ocean comes from mercury contamination from industrial factories or coal-fired power plants. Most importantly, it comes from the thermometers in almost every home. Or even mercury blood pressure monitors (used in the provinces).
Mercury Problems
The problem of mercury poisoning is not new. A serious incident due to mercury poisoning occurred in Japan, in the Minamata Bay area. Which is the origin of the name of the disease caused by mercury poisoning, Minamata Disease. Symptoms of mercury poisoning can be divided into acute (exposed to a large amount of mercury). And chronic (exposed to mercury regularly and accumulated).
• Acute, such as thirst, decreased urination, more saliva than normal, mouth sores, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea.
• Chronic type, such as mouth ulcers, chronic inflammation, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, hand tremors, excessive saliva production, and changes in taste.
Mercury poisoning causes serious problems in pregnant women and young children who consume food contaminated with mercury. It has been found that mercury destroys the nervous system of children, causing them to become mentally retarded, their ability to learn is reduced. They may have seizures, become blind, or deaf. These pathological conditions, once they occur, are permanent and cannot be cured.
If the thermometer breaks
If a thermometer breaks, don’t be complacent and think that nothing is wrong. Mercury is a colorless, odorless substance, but it can evaporate into vapor and cause damage to the respiratory system, causing shortness of breath, chest tightness or burning, and pneumonia. http://ufabet999.app Here are some things you should do:
1. Leave the room as quickly as possible.
2. Open windows to allow air circulation in the area for at least 2 days.
3. Do not use a broom to sweep the mercury that flows out, as this will cause the mercury to break into small particles and stick to the broom, which will spread to other places throughout your home.
4. Do not use a vacuum cleaner to suck up mercury because mercury will remain in the vacuum cleaner and the heat will cause the mercury to evaporate into the respiratory tract.
5. Wear a mask over your mouth and nose and use a piece of cardboard to sweep up the mercury and scoop it into a container or can with a tight lid and dispose of it in a hazardous waste bin.
6. If a thermometer breaks and mercury enters your mouth, spit it out immediately and go to the hospital to see a doctor. You may need to have your stomach lavage or take medication to induce vomiting. And You may also be given medication to help speed up the excretion of mercury through your urine.
You can see that just a broken thermometer can cause such a great deal of harm. Today, there are digital thermometers that can measure temperatures as accurately as a thermometer, and they are also safer because they do not contain mercury. In addition, there are currently digital thermometers that are not expensive.