Broken galilei thermometer

[Naweo]

So I just broke one of these "galilei thermometers" at my dekstop, not damaging/touching any hardware but defenitely the wooden table. It was a gift from a friend.

Now since I was led to blieve that the liquid inside was harmless, after it started smelling and looking like oil on the wood that was almost impossible to clean up, and the stench is still there after 24 hour, I start to wonder what is inside.

can anyone tell me if this stuff is toxic and how to get rid of it/the smell?

Thanks

[heedpantsnow]

I'm pretty sure those are filled with low-viscosity mineral oil.

Probably will deepen the color of the wood, but probably harmless other than that. You could get some more wood oil and make the whole thing uniform I guess.

[Naweo]

Thanks for the reply, i was starting to worry it was mercury, pertifin or some heavy metal and i had been exposed for 24 hours lol.

Do you think other than air ventilation and some time that the smell can be reduced? It is not THAT annoying presently, but as long as the smell is harmless I am content with the situation.

[heedpantsnow]

I don't think it contains any heavy metals.

The mineral oil was likely thinned with alcohol or kerosene, so the only precautions I would take is vent the area well (or move the desk outside) and definitely don't smoke or use candles or anything like that on it for a while after the smell has subsided.

Also, don't type on the desk over 100 WPM or the speed could ignite the fumes.  Just kidding. 

[paicrai]

MERCURY AND TOXINS.

[tp4tissue]

don't worry...

I have the oh-no-i'm-gonna-die  moments at least twice a week..   clearly I've survived at least to type this..

oh no, but I might die right after I hit post....

--edit, nope still alive..

[heedpantsnow]

How about now?  Still there?  Remember not to type too fast...

[tp4tissue]

How about now?  Still there?  Remember not to type too fast...

[Naweo]

tp4tissue has a charisma on these forums that i will remember for a long time.