PoriPurno News Desk | August 04, 2025
Dhaka, Bangladesh: A startling incident has raised health and safety concerns among gold jewelry wearers after a woman’s gold rings mysteriously turned white within minutes following accidental exposure to mercury from a broken thermometer. The incident underscores the hazardous nature of mercury and the urgent need for public awareness on how to avoid its dangerous effects.
The woman, who experienced the unusual discoloration in 2022, discovered that three of her gold rings — including two very precious 22-carat rings imported from Singapore — suddenly changed color, turning completely white within 3 to 4 minutes. She initially could not find a cause until her son, who was ill at the time, pointed out that a thermometer had broken and mercury had spilled on the floor.
Mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal once commonly used in thermometers, is known to react chemically with gold. Experts confirm that such contact can cause a visible reaction that alters the metal’s appearance — in this case, turning the shiny gold rings white and brittle. Attempts to restore the rings by soaking them in water failed, and some of the rings even broke apart into powder.
The woman consulted her former chemistry teacher, who affirmed that the chemical reaction between mercury and gold was responsible for the discoloration. She also sought advice from a physiotherapist, but no explanation was found through her daily physical activities.
Health and Safety Implications
Mercury is a dangerous substance with serious health risks. Exposure to even small amounts can cause neurological and physiological damage, particularly in children, pregnant women, and vulnerable populations. The incident also highlights the risk posed by broken mercury thermometers in households, especially where children live.
Increase Your Business with Expert Digital Solutions!
Get Unlimited Facebook Ad Credit, Guaranteed SEO Rankings, & Professional Web Development – all under one roof at MahbubOsmane.com!
14+ Years of Experience – Guaranteed SEO Rankings
800+ Satisfied Clients – Unlimited Facebook Ad Credit
Proven Results, Maximum ROI – Professional Web Development
Contact us ( +8801716988953 WhatsApp ) today and take your business to the next level! Visit: MahbubOsmane.com
The affected woman has issued an urgent public advisory, urging gold jewelry wearers to take precautionary measures:
- Always remove gold rings or other jewelry before handling mercury or items that may contain mercury, such as thermometers.
- Avoid direct skin contact with mercury.
- In the event of a broken mercury thermometer, carefully clean the spill using appropriate methods and avoid using bare hands.
- Keep children away from mercury-containing materials to prevent accidental exposure.
- Be aware that some cosmetic products may also contain mercury, which can harm the skin.
Mercury has been banned in many countries for dental fillings and other uses due to its toxicity. However, it remains present in various household items and some cosmetic products in different regions.
A Call for Greater Awareness
This incident serves as a wake-up call for consumers and families, particularly in Bangladesh, where gold jewelry is culturally significant and often worn daily without removal. The affected woman’s experience demonstrates that a moment of carelessness could not only damage valuable possessions but also pose serious health hazards.
Experts recommend increased public education on mercury hazards, safer disposal and replacement of mercury-containing devices, and vigilance in handling such materials.
Do you still have questions? Or would you like us to give you a call?
Call us at wa.me/+966549485900 or wa.me/+8801716988953 to get a free consultancy from our expert or you can directly email us at hi@mahbubosmane.com We would be happy to answer you.