Substances, plants and mushrooms

In modern thermometers, mercury has been replaced with a safer alloy. Mercury is only found in old thermometers.

The mercury used in old thermometers is metallic (elemental) mercury which is not readily absorbed when ingested or through the skin. Treatment is not required.

Mercury from a broken thermometer vaporises in a couple of days into the room air and is absorbed when the vapour is inhaled. However, the amounts are typically small and not likely to be toxic.

Deliver the mercury from a broken thermometer in a tightly sealed container to your pharmacy to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Collect the mercury into a dustpan with a broom, for example. Vacuuming is not recommended as it might contribute to the vaporisation of the mercury.

Keywords: foreign bodies​

​Swallowed metal objects are considered harmless regarding to toxicity. However, it can cause bowel obstruction like other foreign bodies.

In case of ingestion, contact your primary healthcare center or other emergency unit for more information.

Methanol is a highly toxic substance. Whenever a person is suspected of having ingested methanol, seek immediate medical assistance.​

The plant is toxic, but ingesting a small amount rarely causes symptoms.

Many Milk caps can, if eaten raw or uncooked, cause gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea). In most cases, the symptoms can be treated at home with sufficient amount of fluids and rest. Seek medical assistance if symptoms persist. Save the mushroom for possible identification afterwards.​