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Are There Any Side Effects From Exposure To Mercury In The Thermometer?
I was sleeping last night and didn t remember I had left a thermometer in my pocket. When I woke up the thermometer was broken and there were several little balls on the bed. I immediately washed my clothes, and took a shower and all. My skin never made contact with it or so I hope. Should I seek medical help though, and what to do with the mattress and bedding.
Wed, 2 Aug 2023
Hello,
Mercury in the thermometer is not in high amounts to cause damage or any harm to human body. Please observe the following facts:
1) In thermometers, mercury is present in metallic or elemental form
2) This form has a very low skin absorption rate, thus, you don't need to worry
3) You can discard the mattress and bedding if there is significant amount of mercury on it
4) You can also air the mattress and bedding thoroughly and wash if they are washable
5) You don't need any doctor consultation as your skin didn't come into contact with mercury and even if it had been exposed, it's only very less amounts of metallic mercury
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
Mercury in the thermometer is not in high amounts to cause damage or any harm to human body. Please observe the following facts:
1) In thermometers, mercury is present in metallic or elemental form
2) This form has a very low skin absorption rate, thus, you don't need to worry
3) You can discard the mattress and bedding if there is significant amount of mercury on it
4) You can also air the mattress and bedding thoroughly and wash if they are washable
5) You don't need any doctor consultation as your skin didn't come into contact with mercury and even if it had been exposed, it's only very less amounts of metallic mercury
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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