Taiwan man dies of lead poisoning after using thermal flask for 20 years even after it became rusty

A Taiwanese man in his 50s died of lead poisoning after consuming hot coffee from a thermal flask for nearly 20 years, even after its inner lining had become corroded and damaged.

ETtoday reported that a kidney specialist discussed this case on a television programme, where he explained how the man's health rapidly deteriorated and led to death.

His health issues first surfaced when he became disoriented while driving to work and crashed into a breakfast shop despite having over 30 years of driving experience.

The man later died about a year after the car accident.

Damaged thermal flask

This comes after the man used the same thermal flask to consume hot beverages for over a decade, Sin Chew Daily reported, adding that this continued even after its inner lining became rusty.

As a result, a hospital examination after his accident found that though the man had no obvious external injuries, he had severe anaemia and abnormal kidney function.

He was then transferred to the nephrology department, mirrormedia reported, adding that according to the follow-up, the man had been experiencing fatigue recently.

In addition, his sense of taste had changed as he often felt that his food was not salty enough.

Poor health to death

Following his medical consultation, the man's health continued to decline, and he subsequently developed degenerative symptoms similar to dementia.

In light of the man's death, the doctor noted that if the inner layer of a thermal flask is aged or the material is of poor quality, prolonged storage of hot drinks may cause the metal to dissolve.

This can damage the nervous system and kidneys when consumed.

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