Harmfulness of mercury vapor from a thermometer. How is mercury from a thermometer dangerous for humans? Use of mercury in everyday life

The first information about compounds containing mercury reaches us from time immemorial. Aristotle mentions it for the first time in 350 BC, but archaeological finds indicate more early applications. The main areas of use of mercury were medicine, painting and architecture, the manufacture of Venetian mirrors, metal processing, etc. People found out its properties only experimentally, which required a lot of time and cost many lives. The fact that mercury is dangerous to humans has been known since its use began. Modern methods and research methods are much more effective and safer, but people still don’t know much about this metal.

Chemical element

At normal conditions mercury is a heavy liquid of white-silver color; its belonging to metals was proven by M. V. Lomonosov and I. A. Brown in 1759. Scientists have proven that in a solid state of aggregation it is electrically conductive and can be forged. Mercury (Hydrargyrum, Hg) in the periodic table of D.I. Mendeleev has atomic number 80, is located in the sixth period, group 2 and belongs to the zinc subgroup. Translated from Latin, the name literally means “silver water”, from Old Russian - “to roll”. The uniqueness of the element lies in the fact that it is the only one that is found in dispersed form in nature and occurs in the form of compounds. A drop of mercury rolling down rock, is an impossible phenomenon. The molar mass of the element is 200 g/mol, the atomic radius is 157 pm.

Properties

At a temperature of 20 o C, the specific gravity of mercury is 13.55 g/cm 3, -39 o C is required for the melting process, -357 o C for boiling, and -38.89 o C for freezing. High blood pressure saturated vapor gives a high evaporation rate. As the temperature rises, mercury vapor becomes the most dangerous for living organisms, and water or any other liquid is not an obstacle to this process. The property most in demand in practice is the production of amalgam, which is formed as a result of the dissolution of a metal in mercury. When there is a large amount of it, the alloy is obtained in a semi-liquid state of aggregation. Mercury is easily released from the compound, which is used in the process of extracting precious metals from ore. Metals such as tungsten, iron, molybdenum, and vanadium cannot be amalgamated. Chemically, mercury is a fairly stable element that easily transforms into a native state and reacts with oxygen only when high temperature(300 o C). When interacting with acids, dissolution occurs only in nitric acid and Metallic mercury is oxidized by sulfur or potassium permanganate. It actively reacts with halogens (iodine, bromine, fluorine, chlorine) and non-metals (selenium, phosphorus, sulfur). Organic compounds with a carbon atom (alkylmercury) are the most stable and are formed in natural conditions. Methylmercury is considered one of the most toxic short-chain organometallic compounds. In this state, mercury becomes most dangerous to humans.

Being in nature

If we consider mercury as a mineral, which is used in many industries and areas economic activity human, then it is a rather rare metal. According to experts, the surface layer of the earth’s crust contains only 0.02% of total number the mentioned element. The largest part of mercury and its compounds is found in the waters of the World Ocean and is dispersed in the atmosphere. Recent studies show that the Earth's mantle contains large amounts of this element. In accordance with this statement, such a concept as “mercury breathing of the Earth” arose. It consists in the process of degassing with further evaporation from the surface. The largest release of mercury occurs during volcanic eruptions. Subsequently, natural and man-made emissions are included in the cycle, which occurs due to combination with other elements under favorable natural conditions. The process of formation and decay of mercury vapor has been poorly studied, but the most likely hypothesis is the participation of certain types of bacteria in it. But the main problem is methyl and demethyl derivative compounds, which are actively formed in nature - in the atmosphere, water (bottom muddy areas or sectors of the greatest pollution with organic substances) - without the participation of catalysts. Methylmercury has a very high affinity to biological molecules. What is dangerous about mercury is its ability to accumulate in any living organism due to its ease of penetration and adaptation.

Deposits

There are more than 100 mercury-containing and mercury minerals, but the main compound that ensures the profitability of mining is cinnabar. In percentage terms, it has the following structure: sulfur 12-14%, mercury 86-88%, while native mercury, fahlores, metacinnabarite, etc. are associated with the main sulfide mineral. The dimensions of cinnabar crystals reach 3-5 cm (maximum), the most common ones are 0.1-0.3 mm in size and may contain impurities of zinc, silver, arsenic, etc. (up to 20 elements). There are about 500 ore deposits in the world; the most productive deposits are in Spain, Slovenia, Italy, and Kyrgyzstan. Two main methods are used to process ore: high temperature oxidation to release mercury and enrichment starting material with subsequent processing of the resulting concentrate.

Applications

Due to the fact that the danger of mercury has been proven, its use in medicine has been limited since the 70s of the 20th century. An exception is merthiolate, which is used to preserve vaccines. Silver amalgam is still found in dentistry today, but is being actively replaced by reflective fillings. The most widespread use of hazardous metal is recorded in the creation of instruments and precision instruments. Mercury vapor is used to operate luminescent and quartz lamps. In this case, the result of the impact depends on the coating of the light-transmitting body. Due to its unique heat capacity, metallic mercury is in demand in the production of high-precision measuring instruments - thermometers. The alloys are used to make position sensors, bearings, sealed switches, electric actuators, valves, etc. Biocidal paints previously also contained mercury and were used to coat ship hulls, which prevented them from fouling. The chemical industry uses salts of this element in large volumes as a catalyst for the release of acetaldehyde. Sublimate and calomel are used to treat the seed fund - toxic mercury protects grain and seeds from pests. In metallurgy, amalgams are most in demand. Mercury compounds are often used as an electrolytic catalyst for the production of chlor alkali and active metals. Gold miners use this chemical element to process ore. Mercury and its compounds are used in jewelry, mirror production, and aluminum recycling.

Toxicity (what is dangerous about mercury)

As a result of anthropogenic human activity, the concentration of toxic substances and pollutants in our environment increases. One of these elements, ranked first in terms of toxicity, is mercury. Organic and inorganic compounds and vapors pose a danger to humans. This is a cumulative, highly toxic poison that can accumulate in the human body for years or enter at once. The central nervous system, enzymatic and hematopoietic systems are affected, and the degree and outcome of poisoning depend on the dose and method of penetration, the toxicity of the compound, and the time of exposure. Chronic mercury poisoning (accumulation of the substance in the body) is characterized by the presence of asthenovegetative syndrome and disruption of the nervous system. The first signs are: trembling of the eyelids, fingertips, and then the limbs, tongue and the whole body. At further development poisoning manifests itself as insomnia, headaches, nausea, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, neurasthenia, and memory impairment. If mercury vapor poisoning occurs, then characteristic symptoms are respiratory diseases. With continuous exposure, the excretory system fails, which can lead to death.

Poisoning with mercury salts

The fastest and most complex process. Symptoms: headache, metallic taste, bleeding gums, stomatitis, increased urination with its gradual reduction and complete cessation. In severe forms, damage to the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and liver is typical. Even if a person survives, he will remain disabled forever. The action of mercury leads to protein precipitation and hemolysis of red blood cells. Against the background of these symptoms, irreversible damage to the central nervous system occurs. An element such as mercury poses a danger to humans in any form of interaction, and the consequences of poisoning can be irreparable: having an impact on the entire body, they can affect future generations.

Methods of penetration of poison

The main sources of poisoning are air, water, and food. Mercury can penetrate through respiratory tract when a substance evaporates from the surface. Has good throughput skin And gastrointestinal tract. For poisoning, it is enough to swim in a body of water that is polluted by industrial discharges containing mercury; eat foods with high content chemical element, which can get into them from infected biological species (fish, meat). Mercury vapor poisoning occurs, as a rule, as a result of professional activities - when safety precautions are not observed in industries related to this element. Poisoning at home is no exception. This occurs due to improper use of devices and instruments containing mercury and its compounds.

The danger of mercury from a thermometer

The most commonly used high-precision medical instrument is a thermometer; it is found in every home. Under normal household conditions, most people do not have access to highly toxic compounds that include mercury. “The thermometer was broken” - this is the most likely situation of interaction with poison. Most of our compatriots still use mercury thermometers. This is explained primarily by the accuracy of their testimony and the population’s distrust of new technologies. If the thermometer is damaged, mercury, of course, poses a danger to humans, but illiteracy poses an even greater threat. If you quickly, efficiently and effectively carry out a series of simple manipulations, then the harm to health, if any, will be minimal.

Stage 1

First of all, you need to collect all the parts of the broken thermometer and mercury. This is the most labor-intensive process, but the health of all family members and pets depends on its implementation. For proper disposal, you must take a glass container, which must be hermetically sealed. Before starting work, all residents are removed from the premises; it is best to go outside or to another room where constant ventilation is possible. The process of collecting mercury drops cannot be performed using a vacuum cleaner or broom. The latter can crush larger metal fractions and provide a larger area for their distribution. When using a vacuum cleaner, the danger lies in the process of heating the motor during operation, and exposure to temperature will accelerate the evaporation of particles, and this household appliances After this, it cannot be used for its intended purpose; it can only be disposed of.

Sequence of actions

1. Wear a disposable medical mask, shoe covers or plastic bags on your shoes.
2. Carefully inspect the place where the thermometer was broken; If there is a possibility of mercury getting on textiles, clothes, carpets, then they are hermetically packed in a garbage bag and disposed of.
3. The glass parts are collected in prepared containers.
4. Large drops of mercury are collected from the floor surface using a sheet of paper, a needle or knitting needles.
5. Armed with a flashlight or increasing the illumination of the room, you need to expand the search for smaller particles (due to the color of the metal it is easy to find).
6. Floor cracks, parquet joints, and baseboards are carefully inspected to eliminate the possibility of smaller drops getting in.
7. In hard-to-reach places, mercury is collected with a syringe, which must subsequently be disposed of.
8. Small drops of metal can be collected using adhesive tape or adhesive tape.
9. During the entire operating time, you must go into a ventilated room or outside every 20 minutes.
10. All items and improvised means used to collect mercury must be disposed of along with the contents of the thermometer.

Stage 2

After careful mechanical assembly, it is necessary to chemically treat the room. You can use potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) - a solution of high concentration (dark color) in the amount required for the treated area. Be sure to wear new rubber gloves and a mask. All surfaces are treated with the resulting solution using a rag, and existing recesses, crevices, cracks and joints are best filled with the solution. It is better to leave the surface untouched for the next 10 hours. After the specified time, the potassium permanganate solution is washed off clean water, then cleaning is done using detergents and throughout the apartment. For the next 6-7 days, be sure to carry out regular ventilation of the room and daily wet cleaning. To make sure there is no mercury, you can invite specialists with special equipment from epidemiology centers.

Treatment methods for intoxication

WHO identifies the 8 most dangerous substances, the content of which in the atmosphere, food products and water must be carefully monitored due to their danger to human life and health. These are lead, cadmium, arsenic, tin, iron, copper, zinc and, of course, mercury. The hazard class of these elements is very high, and the consequences of poisoning with them cannot be completely stopped. The basis of treatment is to protect the person from further contact with the poison. In mild and non-chronic cases of mercury poisoning, it is excreted from the body in feces, urine, and sweat. The toxic dose is 0.4 ml, lethal - from 100 mg. If you suspect an interaction with poison, you should contact a specialist who, based on test results, will determine the degree of intoxication and prescribe therapy.

Why is mercury from a thermometer dangerous for humans? This is the question a person asks when faced with a deformed mercury thermometer. To measure accurate body temperature, thermometers using alcohol, glycerin, mercury, as well as electronic devices have become widespread.

As practice shows, mercury thermometers show the most accurate readings of body temperature, which is associated with the high thermal conductivity of mercury and the almost linear expansion coefficient of the metal.

Along with such an important advantage, mercury-based thermometers have very harmful, and even dangerous flaw– this is the toxicity of a substance and its ability to accumulate in the body, which can even lead to deaths poisoning

Features of a mercury thermometer

In home and even hospital settings, mercury thermometers are widely used, since they give an error of only 0.01°C. This error is achieved thanks to amazing properties liquid metal - mercury.

The characteristics of mercury are quite remarkable. The melting point of this chemical is only 38.8°C, which means that under normal conditions it is in liquid form. Like all metals, mercury in a thermometer expands when the temperature rises, and contracts when the temperature drops.

Also, liquid mercury does not have the ability to moisturize and remain on the glass from which thermometers are made. This makes it possible to achieve high precision measuring instruments by using glass tubes with a very small cross-section.

It is important to remember that mercury is nothing more than a highly toxic poison and belongs to the 1st class of very toxic substances.

The above properties make this metal indispensable in the manufacture of thermometers. However, mercury and any compounds with it are quite toxic and poisonous. Because of this reason, some countries have even abandoned the use of mercury-based thermometers.

Danger of a damaged mercury thermometer

When handled correctly and with care mercury thermometer, if you store it in a place protected from children, in a special case, and use it only under adult supervision, such a tool is not dangerous.

But in the case when a thermometer with mercury does break, both glass fragments and leaking mercury from the glass tube pose a danger to the human body. This substance is characterized by a very low temperature melting point - 38.8°C, and already at a temperature of +18°C it evaporates.

It must be remembered that mercury evaporates both in the open air and under water.

Liquid mercury vapors are very toxic, since when inhaled, the vapors enter the lungs, then the mercury is oxidized and, in its oxidized state, negatively affects the condition of the body. The ions of the element, which are formed during the oxidation of the metal, are very poisonous.

The effect of leaked mercury from a thermometer on the human body

A mercury thermometer may contain 1 to 2 grams of dangerous liquid mercury. This volume of pure mercury outside the glass tube will be enough to poison the human body varying degrees gravity. Symptoms of such poisoning may not immediately appear, since the metal is characterized by accumulation properties.

Depending on the duration of exposure and concentration of mercury, the following types of poisoning are distinguished:

• Chronic poisoning: with constant contact with metal, with long work in a closed room with a vapor concentration slightly exceeding the maximum permissible concentration. Expressed by general weakness, severe unreasonable fatigue, headache, increased irritability and dizziness. It may appear after a couple of years.
• Acute poisoning: with a high concentration of the substance, it can occur in just 2-3 hours. It is expressed by a metallic taste, pain in the abdomen, head and when swallowing, as well as lack of appetite. Such poisoning is often accompanied by pneumonia.
• Micromercurialism: at very low concentrations of mercury, but over a long period of time from 5 to 10 years. It manifests itself in the form of prolonged respiratory diseases, increased bleeding of the gums, finger tremors, various disorders of the nervous system and cycle disorders in young women.

Mercury mainly enters the human body through toxic vapors through the lungs. When it comes to a large spill of mercury, intoxication can also occur through the mucous membranes and pores of the skin. Basically, metal has a detrimental effect on the nervous system, respiratory tract and kidneys.

If the substance enters the human body with food, then it does not have a significant effect, since almost all of it is excreted by the body through the intestines without absorption into the blood. The remainder is removed long time through the kidneys.

It must be remembered that mercury has a neurotoxic effect on the human body, which occurs in the form of destruction of nerve cells.

People with weakened immune systems, as well as young children and pregnant women are especially sensitive to the effects of vapors.

Prolonged penetration of small but dangerous doses of mercury into the body can trigger the onset of severe inflammatory processes V important organs and systems. In general, mercury vapor intoxication leads to pneumonia, paralysis and complete blindness.

Considering all aspects of the negative, it is necessary not only to identify signs of mercury exposure in a timely manner, to properly clean up and dispose of spills, but also to immediately provide emergency assistance.

How does mercury intoxication manifest?

Mercury accumulates in the body and is not eliminated from it. This is what chronic poisoning is associated with. What symptoms are observed?

• Prolonged and severe headaches.
• Metallic taste in mouth.
• Apathy, drowsiness and weakness.
• Tremor (shaking) of hands, nervous tic.
• Irritation and frequent mood swings.
• Sometimes diarrhea occurs.

If toxic mercury accumulates in the body for years, then performance, memory, and concentration gradually deteriorate, and mental illness. Sometimes hair falls out, teeth become loose, and some diseases become chronic. Such symptoms appear after several years.

The problem of a broken thermometer becomes especially serious if there are small children at home. They are especially susceptible to poison because children's body cannot fully resist it. If in the family small child, you need an electronic thermometer.

From a broken thermometer the following is observed:

• shortness of breath when breathing;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• bluish tint to the face.

If these symptoms occur, you should call ambulance. Usually, gastric lavage is performed to remove mercury oxide and relieve signs of intoxication. If prompt medical attention is not forthcoming, you can induce vomiting yourself. According to statistics, in 65% of cases it is mild poisoning.

Help with intoxication

Mercury poisoning can only be treated in a hospital setting. Since mercury from a broken thermometer is very dangerous, first aid should be given immediately at home. medical care. It consists of alleviating the condition of the poisoned person and consists of the following measures:

• organize admission fresh air to the room;
• rinse the stomach with a large volume of water;
• induce vomiting;
• apply activated carbon;
• provide plenty of fluids;
• provide the patient with bed rest.

The above measures should be carried out if the victim is fully conscious. When a person is unconscious, he must be quickly freed from constricting clothing and placed on his side. You should also prevent the tongue from sticking and ensure the supply of fresh air.

What to do if the thermometer accidentally breaks

In the event that the mercury thermometer in medical institution, at work or at home, you must call emergency services and follow the following recommendations:

• There is no need to panic; you should accurately determine that it was the mercury thermometer that broke and the location of such an incident.
• Remove all people and pets from the room where the device was damaged, except those who have mercury residues on their clothes or fur. This is how localization is carried out and the spread of spilled mercury to other rooms is prevented.
• Prevent people from entering a room that is poisoned with mercury.
• It is necessary to open the windows and close all doors to ensure the flow of fresh air and eliminate drafts that can carry mercury vapor into adjacent rooms.
• Wear shoe covers, rubber gloves, a respirator, or a moistened cotton-gauze bandage moistened with water or a strong soda solution to protect the respiratory system from the action of vapors.
• When collecting mercury balls, you must be extremely careful and do not step on glass fragments of the thermometer.
• After cleaning the mercury, you need to drink a lot of any liquid and eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• IN for preventive purposes You should drink activated carbon in a therapeutic dosage.
• All collected mercury balls must be placed in a glass container with water, and then closed with a tight lid.
• All utensils and clothing that were used when collecting mercury should be placed in polyethylene and disposed of.

Work on collecting toxic metal must be carried out quickly, especially if the room is warm. Otherwise, the mercury will begin to evaporate and cause damage to the respiratory system.

In almost every home medicine cabinet there is a mercury thermometer. At correct use This attribute is completely safe for humans. If the thermometer accidentally breaks, do not panic; it is important to collect all the metal balls as soon as possible.

Living in a safe space

Why expose yourself and your loved ones to unnecessary risk? Today we are surrounded by many harmful substances with which we are saturated. modern world. There are safe electronic thermometers that accurately and quickly show body temperature.

The thermometer looks like a flat stick with a thin tip and a display on the body. He gives evidence within a minute after contact with the body. It will not break, is reliable and accurate. Duration of work: from 2 to 5 years. So mercury thermometers have already exhausted their usefulness and will soon disappear completely.

Therefore, when making a choice at a pharmacy, buying drugs or medical devices, read the instructions and inquire about their safety. AND stop buying a mercury thermometer. Take care of your health and the health of your loved ones and do not expose yourself to unnecessary risks.

- a unique substance. This is a silver-colored metal, but unlike most metals, it is characterized by a very low melting point - 38.8 degrees below zero, and at +18 degrees it begins to evaporate. In a living room, the air temperature is usually higher, therefore, if you break a thermometer, the mercury will immediately begin to evaporate.

Studies have shown that inhaling mercury vapor causes changes in the nervous system at the molecular level, reminiscent of Alzheimer's disease.

Substances containing mercury are toxic and belong to the highest hazard class. This also applies to its connection with oxygen. At room temperature this chemical reaction will not happen, but it will happen later, when mercury evaporates along with atmospheric air enter the respiratory system. From the lungs, mercury compounds will pass into the blood and spread throughout the body, “attacking” various organs. Mercury ions are especially dangerous for neurons - they destroy the membranes of nerve cells.

Signs acute poisoning mercury exposure occurs 8 or even 20 hours after this substance enters the body. The first symptoms are nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth. Subsequently, the temperature rises to 39 degrees, headache, cough, shortness of breath, bleeding gums, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea occur, and after a few days the patient dies. It is very difficult to save a person poisoned by mercury, because this substance is slowly eliminated from the body.

The amount of mercury in the thermometer is not so large as to cause acute poisoning, and yet, when such a volume of the substance evaporates, its concentration in the air will exceed the permissible norm by 20 times. Main danger is that mercury breaks down into tiny droplets, which can get into some cracks or get stuck in the carpet pile, continuing to evaporate. Then the intake of mercury vapor into the body will become systematic, and there will be a danger of chronic poisoning.

Symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning are weakness, increased fatigue, poor attention, irritability, headaches, dizziness, trembling of the limbs with excitement.

In 2007, the EU countries introduced a ban on the use of mercury thermometers.

If a mercury thermometer breaks, you must immediately remove children from the room and begin collecting mercury. Do not use a vacuum cleaner for this, throw it away collected mercury into the garbage disposal or sewer. It is necessary to carefully examine every crack, crack, and unevenness; it is advisable to use a flashlight, because mercury glitters when illuminated. If there is a suspicion that droplets have got under the floorboard, laminate or baseboard, they must be removed. Places where drops of mercury were found should be marked with chalk and not stepped on. Inspecting the premises will take a lot of time; you need to go out into the fresh air every 15 minutes.

The mercury must be collected in a glass jar with a tight lid, and then call specialists from the rescue service. To avoid poisoning, you should drink as much as possible.

A mercury thermometer is not dangerous if it is not broken, but no one is safe from such accidents. It is advisable to completely abandon mercury

Mercury is a dangerous chemical that, if it enters the human body, leads not only to poor health, but in some cases to death. Mercury can enter the human body in different ways, so you need to know what symptoms indicate mercury exposure, and how to provide first aid to the victim, and how to protect yourself from the phenomenon in question.

Ways of possible mercury poisoning

There are three main sources of mercury that are potentially harmful to the human body:

1. Food . It's about about shellfish and sea fish that live in polluted waters. In such cases, shellfish and sea fish accumulate large number mercury, and even after careful/deep heat treatment of products, an acceptable level of safety is not achieved.
2. Domestic . Thermometers and energy-saving lamps contain mercury, so they must be handled with extreme caution. In their initial state, these household items do not pose a danger to humans, but if they are broken, it is necessary to collect the leaked mercury as quickly as possible, since its vapors are really harmful. In everyday life, mercury can also be found in mercury tonometers (an instrument for measuring blood pressure), but now they are not used, since modern devices are available.
3. Medical . Mercury is also widely used in the production of vaccines, amalgam-based drugs, and certain drugs.

The effect of mercury on the human body

The most dangerous is considered to be the inhalation of mercury vapor by a person, and the entry of the chemical in question into the gastrointestinal tract, on the contrary, poses a minimal threat to health - it is practically not absorbed. If mercury enters the human body in the form of salts, it will appear almost immediately and will be of a pronounced nature.

Please note:mercury salts are contained in medicines for external use, so they should be used only in strict accordance with the instructions. In addition, mercury salts are included in some fungicidal agents used in agriculture and betting production paint and varnish materials– When working with these substances, you must follow safety rules.

Mercury negatively affects human health, regardless of age, but symptoms of poisoning are especially pronounced in children and women. The problem is that mercury molecules are very difficult to remove from the body, and in some cases this process is completely impossible; the harmful substance remains in the tissues and cells, continuing to have a detrimental effect on the functioning of organs and systems.

The consequences of such “delayed” mercury poisoning are:

• pathological disorders of the genitourinary system;
• development of inflammatory/infectious diseases of the digestive system;
• pathological damage to the central nervous system.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning

Mercury poisoning can be acute or chronic. Acute mercury poisoning occur in connection with production violations or accidents, but chronic poisoning is diagnosed against the background of constant inhalation of vapors of the chemical substance in question - for example, if a thermometer was broken and the leaked mercury was not completely removed.

Symptoms of acute mercury poisoning:

Please note:in particularly severe cases of acute mercury poisoning, the victim rapidly develops pulmonary edema, kidney necrosis and others dangerous complications which lead to death.

Symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning:

• constant sensation;
• regular low intensity;
• unmotivated irritability;
• apathy towards the outside world;
• persistent tremor of the upper extremities (hand tremors);
• decreased sense of smell and taste.

Please note:If negative impact on human body it turns out for a long time, then pathological and problems in the functioning of the heart and vascular system are observed.

It is worth remembering that in case of poisoning with salts and/or mercury vapor, the central nervous system– the victim becomes overly irritable, experiences severe fatigue, complains of constant headache, he's starting to. Then, if no action is taken to improve health during this period, mercury poisoning leads to a steady increase in body temperature, oral cavity foci of inflammation appear (ulcers/wounds similar to stomatitis), upper limbs and the whole body begins to tremble, it is noted increased sweating and disorders of the digestive system.

Most often, mercury poisoning at the household level occurs after a thermometer breaks - a trivial incident, but very dangerous to health if certain measures are not taken. This problem often affects small children - they can not only break the thermometer, but also swallow mercury balls.

What to do if the thermometer breaks

First of all, there is no need to panic - it is quite possible to take measures to eliminate the danger from spilled mercury at home on your own. The following procedure must be followed:

• All things and surfaces in the room where the thermometer broke are carefully inspected - everything that is contaminated must be put in plastic bags and taken out of the apartment/house. To make it easier to see mercury, you can use a bright flashlight;
• collect all the fragments from the thermometer and balls of mercury - to do this, use a rubber bulb ("syringe"), a scoop, a sheet of thick cardboard, and in order to comply with the safety rules for working with chemicals, you need to wear rubber gloves;

Please note:It is not recommended to collect mercury balls with a vacuum cleaner, although demercurization professionals use this household appliance. But, firstly, after collecting mercury balls, an ordinary vacuum cleaner cannot be used for its intended purpose, and secondly, even a washing vacuum cleaner will be suitable for further use only after treating it with special disinfectant solutions.

• floors and all objects on which mercury has come into contact must be thoroughly washed with a chlorine-containing solution, and then with a solution of potassium permanganate. Moreover, you need to follow a certain sequence: first, the floors/objects are washed with a chlorine solution, then (after 10 minutes - this is the time needed for hard surfaces to dry) - with a solution of potassium permanganate.

What is the essence of this “event”? Mercury ceases to be liquid - salt compounds of this chemical substance are formed, which do not emit toxic fumes at all, but pose a danger if they get into digestive system person.

In addition to everything that has been written, you need to take care not only of the cleanliness of the room, but also of your own health:

• wash the shoes you wore in the room with soap and soda solution or potassium permanganate;
• Rinse the mouth and throat thoroughly with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (it should be slightly pink);
• brush your teeth;
• drink 2-3 tablets of activated carbon.

What to do if a child swallows a ball of mercury:

• give him plenty of water to drink;
• induce vomiting;
• Call the ambulance team.

How to dispose of collected mercury from a broken thermometer

Many people ask this question - simply throwing it in the trash would be wrong, even dangerous for others. You need to take the mercury collected in a plastic bag to the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations - they are obliged to accept the mercury for disposal. True, most often you have to be persistent in this matter. There is another option - collect the mercury in a plastic bag and cover it with bleach or chlorine-containing substances. Then this bag is wrapped in several more and you can be sure that the chemical in question has been neutralized - safely throw it in the trash.

Please note:If there are doubts about the proper disposal of mercury from a broken thermometer, then you need to call specialists. Environmentalists will not only carry out cleanup work, but also measure the content of mercury vapor in the air.

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Why is mercury from a thermometer dangerous for humans?

Mercury is a metal that is somehow familiar to humans. Some interact with mercury in the course of their activities, others simply use a mercury thermometer, but absolutely everyone should know how dangerous mercury from a thermometer is for humans.

According to statistics, more than half of cases of mercury poisoning occur due to people’s careless attitude towards thermometers. Due to the specific use of the thermometer, as a rule, it breaks in apartments and other residential premises, carrying with it a mortal threat to the inhabitants.

At room temperature, the metal appears as small balls of a metallic color. Before answering the question of why mercury from a broken thermometer is dangerous, it should be noted that the threat lies not in the substance itself, but in the vapor. They begin to form already at room temperature, poisoning everyone who gets into the affected area.

Types of poisoning and their symptoms

The hazard class of the metal is in first place, but the main thing is that mercury vapor penetrates the human body unnoticed, since it does not have any aroma. There is not much of it in the thermometer, but even this amount can cause significant harm if you do not get rid of it quickly and correctly.

Metal poisoning is divided according to the class of complexity into 3 cases:

1. Chronic. The effect of mercury from a thermometer appears only over time, causing health problems. In particular, a significant risk of hypertension, tuberculosis, and atherosclerosis develops. The important thing is that this is possible already several years after contact. Chronic poisoning can be determined by the characteristic tremors of the hands, lips, legs, and fingers. The person is irritated, apathetic, feels unwell and complains of headaches and fatigue.
2. Spicy. They arise after serious accidents that happen at enterprises. This stage can be recognized by vomiting, bleeding and swelling of the gums, and shortness of breath. Further possible baldness, pneumonia, loss of vision, and sometimes even paralysis. Mercury in such quantities is especially dangerous, since poisoning of such strength provokes death after a few days, in the absence of treatment.
3. Mild or household, which usually include food poisoning.

Mild poisoning occurs most often, in approximately 65% ​​of cases. They appear almost immediately if metal particles enter the esophagus and a little later if they penetrate the respiratory tract. In particular, cyanosis, nausea, and shortness of breath appear. If such symptoms are detected, a number of measures should be taken, and an ambulance should be called after them. So, upon penetration into the stomach, it is necessary to induce vomiting. Mercury vapor poses the greatest danger to those who are least protected - children and pregnant women. Their body is weakened and very susceptible to external environment, so you should be more careful.

Danger - broken thermometer

Not everyone understands how dangerous a broken thermometer is. Some people are in no hurry to sound the alarm, but their antipodes, on the contrary, are very serious about cleaning up balls of metal that have spilled from the thermometer. Doctors tend to support the latter, because it is very easy to get poisoned by harmful fumes - this metal begins to release them already at +18 degrees, and this is standard room temperature!

Particular attention should be paid to the problem of mercury if there are children in the living space. They are most susceptible to influence harmful metal, since a small organism is simply not able to resist poison. In this case, it is recommended to get rid of all mercury thermometers and purchase modern electronic thermometers.

In fact, in everyday situations, it is not only the mercury in the thermometer that poses a danger. Nowadays, energy-saving and fluorescent lamps are also very common. The content of this metal in such light bulbs is equivalent to tens of milliliters, while in a thermometer it is only 2 grams.

Negative effects on the body

Metal negatively affects the following vital organs:

• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Liver
• Nervous system

Inhalation of mercury through the lungs (vapor) is characterized by a number of symptoms:

• Irritability
• Sleep disturbance
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Apathy
• Malfunction

The above symptoms are generalized. Each person's body is unique. Some signs may appear, but others may not. It is important to remember that if at least 2-3 of the listed symptoms were found, you must urgently go to the nearest hospital to identify the causes.

Hitting respiratory organs, that's why it's dangerous broken thermometer, especially if mercury was discovered late, this threatens chronic poisoning. Therefore, in each individual case, the severity of the symptoms depends on how long the person inhaled the fumes. After all, up to 80% of this metal is not excreted, remaining in the body. It is especially dangerous if the mercury balls were incorrectly removed and rolled into the cracks and remained there. The larger the area of ​​spread mercury, the higher the intensity of evaporation.

So, it has already been said above about the effect of mercury on the human body from a household thermometer, it contains up to 2 grams of mercury, and inhalation of this amount of vapor is enough for the development fatal outcome. Even 0.001 mg/m3 can provoke the development of severe diseases with a chronic course. If the mercury was poorly removed, then the symptoms inherent in chronic poisoning will appear after a few months.

It is fair to note that the metal itself does not pose any danger, and in the old days it was even used for treatment. The harm of mercury lies precisely in its vapors, which it emits, as well as other types of mercury compounds (for example, salts). But a serious concentration of vapors will accumulate in the body only if they are constantly in the air for at least several months. In any case, you need to be careful and not break thermometers, and if you have already broken them, it is better to immediately dispose of the mercury correctly, so as not to expose your loved ones and yourself to the danger of poisoning.