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.
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