Man Suffers Br.ain Atr.ophy Due to Lead Poi.soning from a Thermos: 3 Types of Drinks You Should Never Store in It

When using a thermos, it is crucial to avoid certain mistakes that could ha.rm your health.

On the Taiwanese television program "Doctors Are So Spicy," Dr. Hong Yongxiang, a nephrology specialist, shared the case of a man in his 50s who had the habit of using a thermos cup to store coffee daily for nearly 20 years. The inner lining of the thermos had deteriorated and rusted, yet he continued using it without replacing it.

One day, while driving to work, the man collapsed and lost consciousness, causing a traffic accident.

At the hospital, doctors conducted tests and found that, although he had no intracranial bleeding, his 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 absorbed an excessive amount of heavy metals, leading to lead poisoning. Tragically, he did not survive due to aspiration pneumonia.

The Hidden Dangers of Using a Thermos Improperly

Dr. Hong Yongxiang warned that thermos flasks should not store acidic or alkaline beverages, such as lemon water, carbonated drinks, herbal medicine, or tea. If the material quality is poor, these liquids can 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 to He Yongcheng, an associate professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong's School of Life Sciences, the stainless steel coating inside thermoses often contains iron and other metals. Acidic liquids like tea or lemon water can corrode the stainless steel layer, releasing heavy metals into the drink. If the thermos contains lead or cadmium, long-term use can severely impact health.

3 Types of Beverages to Avoid Storing in a Thermos

The Hong Kong Consumer Council has issued warnings about three types of beverages that should never be stored in a thermos:

1. Acidic Beverages (e.g., Grapefruit Juice, Orange Juice, and Acidic Dairy Drinks)

   • Acidic beverages, such as citrus juices, can react with the stainless steel lining, leading to metal leaching.
   • Avoid storing milk, lemon water, soft drinks, and highly acidic drinks in a thermos to prevent chemical reactions that may alter the drink's quality.

2. Carbonated Drinks

   • Storing carbonated beverages in a thermos can lead to increased internal pressure, which may cause spillage or even an explosion.

3. Strong Tea or Coffee Stored for Extended Periods

   • Leaving tea or coffee in a thermos for too long can result in lingering odors and stains, affecting both the taste and hygiene 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 a soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or mild detergent to clean it gently.
• If the thermos shows signs of wear, cracks, or leaks, replace it immediately.
• Choose thermoses from reputable brands that have passed quality inspections by regulatory authorities.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause material expansion and contraction, reducing the thermos's lifespan.
  • Before switching between hot and cold drinks, let the thermos return to room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
• Never place a thermos in the microwave, as it can lead to fire hazards or explosions.

By following these precautions, you can safely use a thermos while protecting your health from harmful metal contamination.