Acidic Beverages Can Corrode Coating and Release Toxins
Heavy Metal Poisoning... "Dispose Immediately If Rust Appears"
Foreign media have reported that a man in Taiwan died after being exposed to heavy metals for an extended period while using the same tumbler for over 10 years.
On June 21 (local time), Hong Kong's ATV News and other outlets reported that a Taiwanese man, referred to as Mr. A, was diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning after using a metal thermos that he had not cleaned for a long time. He died a year later due to complications from pneumonia.
A report has emerged that a person died after being exposed to heavy metals for a long time while using the same tumbler for over 10 years. Getty Images
Mr. A frequently drank acidic beverages from his steel tumbler. Over time, corrosion developed inside the tumbler, but he continued to use the same container without realizing it.
One day, after experiencing unusual symptoms, he visited a hospital. Tests revealed that his blood hemoglobin levels were abnormally low and his kidney function was impaired. Medical staff determined that his condition was caused by heavy metal poisoning.
Experts warn that even metal thermoses can undergo chemical reactions with acidic beverages if stored for a long time, damaging the coating and causing small amounts of toxic substances to leach out. Getty Images
Experts warn that even metal thermoses can undergo chemical reactions with acidic beverages if stored for a long time, damaging the coating and causing small amounts of toxic substances to leach out. If these substances accumulate in the body, they can have serious effects on the liver, kidneys, immune system, and nervous system.
Experts: "Follow proper cleaning and replacement cycles for thermal containers"
Food safety experts emphasize the importance of regularly cleaning the inside of tumblers and thoroughly drying them after use. They particularly note that bacteria can proliferate rapidly if beverages are stored for extended periods or left at room temperature. In fact, an experiment conducted in Singapore showed that the bacterial count in water stored since morning increased by up to 2,500% over 24 hours.
For hygiene, it is important to carefully clean both the inside and outside of the tumbler after each use, and to pay special attention to the lid and rubber gasket areas. For new products that may have residual polishing agents, it is advisable to wipe the interior with cooking oil before washing it for the first time.
Regular cleaning using vinegar or baking soda is also recommended. If rust develops inside or if an unpleasant odor begins to emerge, it is safest to replace the tumbler immediately. Some experts also suggest that for health reasons, thermal containers used for more than a year should be replaced with new ones.
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