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Galileo thermometers are popular home decor items due to their stylish appearance and the scientifically interesting nature of the glass bulb rising and falling with temperature changes. However, because the container is made of glass, it can easily break.
It's not a big deal when it's on display, but if it does break, you'll start to worry, wondering, "What's the liquid inside?" and "How do I clean it?" The liquid in a Galileo thermometer isn't just water, and there are a few things you need to be careful of when disposing of it. In this article, we'll introduce what to do if your Galileo thermometer breaks.
What's the liquid inside?
The colorful liquid inside the glass bulb is colored alcohol, but the clear liquid used in the main body is called "paraffin oil." Paraffin oil is made by refining petroleum, and as you will see when you actually break it, it has an oily smell similar to kerosene.
It is also used as fuel for camping lanterns and as a lubricant for metal products, and can be purchased by anyone at online shops or home improvement stores. Compared to kerosene, it has a higher flash point and is less likely to spontaneously combust, making it a convenient fuel for outdoor leisure activities.
At first glance, it may seem harmless, but there have been reports of people suffering from chemical burns caused by the liquid in Galileo thermometers*, so be careful not to touch it directly with your hands when cleaning it.
※reference:National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan
Chemical burns: When chemical substances such as acids, alkalis, and organic solvents come into contact with the skin, causing damage similar to a burn.
Quote:Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
How to clean and dispose of a broken Galileo thermometer
Let's take a closer look at how to dispose of paraffin oil. To prevent accidents, it's a good idea to wear rubber gloves and protective glasses before cleaning.
Glass is "non-burnable waste" and liquid parts are "burnable waste"
The broken glass and glass bulbs should be disposed of as "non-burnable garbage." To prevent the collector from getting injured, wrap them in newspaper or something similar and place them in the designated bag. (Note: Glass sorting methods may differ depending on the local government, so please check the information for your area.)
Absorb paraffin oil with kitchen paper or a rag and dispose of it as "burnable waste." Although the possibility of spontaneous combustion is low, it is still a flammable oil, so it is best to avoid throwing it in a trash can in the kitchen or near a heating appliance. For safety, wrap it in two or three layers of plastic bags to prevent it from coming into contact with air (oxygen).
If paraffin oil gets on your skin or clothes
As mentioned above, paraffin oil can cause injury if left on the skin. If it does come into contact with your skin, wash it off thoroughly with soap and running water. If the oil gets on your clothes, remove them immediately. When cleaning oil stains, it is recommended to use dish soap, which is more effective against grease stains, rather than detergent for clothing.
If you spill it on the floor
After absorbing the spilled oil, wipe the surface several times with diluted detergent. Wipe with water to remove any remaining detergent, and then finish by wiping with a dry cloth. If any oil remains, the surface will become slippery after drying, which can lead to falls, so be careful. The smell will linger for a while, but will gradually fade.
If the spill occurred on a wooden floor, the oil and detergent may cause damage, causing the color of the spilled area to fade or the wax to come off. If the spill occurred over a large area, you may want to consider reapplying wax. Since alkaline detergents can easily damage wooden floors, we recommend using a neutral detergent when cleaning.
Conclusion
Galileo thermometers are made of glass, so no matter how careful you are, they can break. Paraffin oil can cause injury or fire, so be sure to take measures to prevent it from breaking before displaying it, such as keeping it out of reach of small children and pets and securing it so that it won't fall over.
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