University students hospitalized after mercury thermometer breaks in Bahia lab

Three students were hospitalized after a glass thermometer containing mercury broke during a practical Organic Chemistry 2 class at the State University of Santa Cruz (Uesc) in Ilhéus, Bahia. The accident occurred on Thursday (24) when the thermometer broke inside a flask during a chemical reaction involving urea.

At the time of the incident, 15 people were present in the laboratory, including one professor and 14 chemistry students. One student experienced severe symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, muscle spasms, blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea. After being treated by emergency services and taken to the Hospital Regional Costa do Cacau, she was discharged on Friday (25).

Two other students sought medical attention at the same hospital and remain under observation. Uesc issued a statement expressing solidarity with the students, stating that the university is monitoring the situation and providing support. The institution also noted that its laboratory activities follow established safety protocols and technical standards.