A nurse found a broken thermometer in a washing machine and cracked an egg into it to prevent mercury poisoning. The viral video caught the attention of online users.
The victim, Nurse Wei from Hefei, Anhui Province, discovered a broken thermometer in her department’s washing machine while drying clothes. Although most of the water had already drained, she was concerned about some residual residue. Mercury is primarily found in egg whites, which are rich in protein. The protein reacts with the mercury, preventing poisoning. Nurse Wei recommended this method if a mercury thermometer broke at home, as eggs have a higher protein content than milk.
There’s nothing wrong with this. When mercury comes into contact with protein, a protein denaturation reaction occurs, reducing the mercury’s harmful effects. Based on this principle, if mercury is accidentally ingested, it can be quickly treated by drinking milk or egg whites. The Shanghai Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention reported on its official WeChat account that the mercury in mercury thermometers is liquid metallic mercury. Once ingested, it is usually poorly absorbed and is excreted directly in the feces. However, mercury is a heavy metal with a high specific gravity, which can put pressure on the gastric mucosa. If you have a history of gastric ulcers or other conditions, this can lead to an exacerbation or even perforation. At the same time, due to inflammation of the mucosa, mercury absorption may increase. For this reason, experts recommend drinking more milk to protect the gastric mucosa and reduce the binding of mercury to body proteins.
It’s important to note that mercury evaporates at room temperature, and the higher the temperature, the faster it evaporates. Experts have shown that dropping two mercury thermometers indoors can significantly increase the mercury concentration in the air, posing a health hazard. If a mercury thermometer accidentally breaks, the following steps can be taken to minimize the risk:
First, soak up the spilled mercury with a damp cotton swab or tape. Place it in a sealed bottle and add a little water to prevent evaporation. Soak up the mercury quickly, open windows for good ventilation, and avoid contact with the mercury. It’s important to note that collected mercury should not be poured down the drain to avoid groundwater contamination. It’s recommended to hand over the collected mercury to your local waste disposal service for disposal.
Secondly, if mercury has fallen to the ground and cannot be completely collected, sprinkle it with sulfur powder to reduce its toxicity. Use ventilation devices such as fans and exhaust fans to accelerate the removal of mercury vapor from the air. In rooms contaminated with mercury, ignite iodine and alcohol for fumigation. Alternatively, use a 10% bleach solution to clean contaminated floors.
Post time: Oct-15-2025