Man Suffers Br.ain Atr.ophy Due to Lead Poi.soning from a Thermos: 3 Types of Drinks You Should Never Store in It
On the Taiwanese television programĀ "Doctors Are So Spicy,"Ā Dr. Hong Yongxiang, a nephrology specialist, shared the case of aĀ man in his 50sĀ who had the habit of using a thermos cup to store coffeeĀ daily for nearly 20 years. The inner lining of the thermos hadĀ deteriorated and rusted, yet he continued using it without replacing it.
One day, while driving to work, the manĀ collapsed and lost consciousness, causing a traffic accident.
At the hospital, doctors conducted tests and found that, although he hadĀ no intracranial bleeding, hisĀ cerebral cortex had atrophied, and he was suffering from severe anemia. His kidney function was also impaired, so he was transferred to the nephrology department. Further examination revealed that he had absorbedĀ an excessive amount of heavy metals, leading toĀ lead poisoning. Tragically, he did not survive due to aspiration pneumonia.
The Hidden Dangers of Using a Thermos Improperly
Dr.Ā Hong YongxiangĀ warned thatĀ thermos flasks should not store acidic or alkaline beverages, such asĀ lemon water, carbonated drinks, herbal medicine, or tea. If the material quality is poor, these liquids canĀ leach heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and chromium into the beverage, potentially causing:
- Liver and kidney damage
- Brain anemia and memory loss
- Severe neurological disorders
According toĀ He Yongcheng,Ā an associate professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong's School of Life Sciences, theĀ stainless steel coating inside thermosesĀ often contains iron and other metals.Ā Acidic liquids like tea or lemon waterĀ can corrode theĀ stainless steel layer,Ā releasing heavy metalsĀ into the drink. If the thermosĀ contains lead or cadmium, long-term use can severely impact health.
3 Types of Beverages to Avoid Storing in a Thermos
TheĀ Hong Kong Consumer CouncilĀ has issued warnings aboutĀ three types of beveragesĀ that shouldĀ neverĀ be stored in a thermos:
1.Ā Acidic Beverages (e.g., Grapefruit Juice, Orange Juice, and Acidic Dairy Drinks)
- Acidic beverages, such as citrus juices,Ā can react with the stainless steel lining,Ā leading to metal leaching.- Avoid storingĀ milk, lemon water, soft drinks, and highly acidic drinksĀ in a thermos toĀ prevent chemical reactions that may alter the drink's quality.
2.Ā Carbonated Drinks
Storing carbonated beverages in a thermos can lead toĀ increased internal pressure, which may causeĀ spillage or even an explosion.3.Ā Strong Tea or Coffee Stored for Extended Periods
LeavingĀ tea or coffee in a thermos for too longĀ can result inĀ lingering odors and stains, affecting both theĀ taste and hygieneĀ of the thermos.Proper Maintenance and Cleaning of a Thermos
- Avoid using chlorine-based cleaners, metal brushes, or strong detergents, as they can scratch, corrode, and damage the thermos.
- Use aĀ soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or mild detergentĀ to clean it gently.
- If theĀ thermos shows signs of wear, cracks, or leaks, replace itĀ immediately.
- Choose thermoses from reputable brandsĀ that have passedĀ quality inspectionsĀ by regulatory authorities.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause material expansion and contraction,Ā reducing the thermos's lifespan.
- Before switching betweenĀ hot and cold drinks, let the thermos return to room temperature forĀ at least 15 minutes.
- Never place a thermos in the microwave, as it can lead toĀ fire hazards or explosions.
By following these precautions, you can safely use a thermos while protecting your health from harmful metal contamination.