A Taiwanese man died of suspected lead poisoning after using the same rusty thermos for over ten years, despite visible signs of metal degradation.
Taiwanese media recently reported the tragic death of a man whose severe lung infection was exacerbated by heavy metal poisoning. The man reportedly started experiencing health problems about a year ago, and blood tests showed that he was suffering from heavy metal poisoning. While trying to discover the source of the contamination, doctors learned that the man had been using the same thermos on a daily basis for the last 10 years. Upon examining the container, they discovered rust had formed inside of it, which hadn’t prevented the patient from using it to store acidic beverages like coffee, tea, and juice.
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Unfortunately, despite seeing the rust and knowing that his thermal container was obviously not made from a rust-proof material, the patient continued using it, relying only on simple rinsing to clean it. It’s not clear when the thermos started leaking heavy metals into the drinks, but by the time the patient showed up at the hospital, it was already too late. The poisoning affected his immune system, and despite the doctors’ best efforts, he succumbed to pneumonia less than a year after his initial diagnosis.
“The thermos may have been used for a long period of time, and in particular, toxins generated when containing carbonated beverages such as cola may have entered the body,” doctors concluded.
The man’s tragic case has been shared by mainstrea media in Taiwan as a cautionary tale, with health experts advising people to make sure they opt for a thermos made of 304 stainless steel, avoid using it to carry acidic beverages, and make sure to clean it regularly. Also, changing the thermos after two or three years of constant use is recommended.
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