Harmful? A penny got stuck in our washing machine and we can not get it out. Will it be harmful to leave it?
Question:I am concerned about the effects the copper, nickel, and other minerals that are used in making coins could do to my family's health.
Answers:
If it is stuck between moving parts then its gonna be trouble to leave it there ... there could be wear n tear of mechanical parts...
Coins don't normally rust .. so there is no problem if it is lying in some corner ... usually it will get settled in some place where the water actually drains out .. and so there shouldn't be any harm ...
I would call a place like Sears or some place where they fix washing machines and ask them.
i recomend you not to drink the water out of your washing machine
Your family isn't going to be ingesting their clothing - just wearing it. The breakdown of the coin will be so slow that only minute amounts of the metals will be on the clothing, and even those tiny amounts are not eaten. The skin is an effective barrier against absorption.
I doubt that you would get any significant health problems from the minute quantities of heavy metals coming from the coin. However, if the coin gets into the water pump of your machine, it could break off some of the fins on the impeller. if so, it could be a costly exercise to replace the pump.
If you are a handy-person, I would suggest trying to remove the coin. If not, call in a trades-person* to do the job for you, *especially if the unit is under a manufacturer's warranty. You wouldn't want to void the warranty!
Many of the internal parts of your washing machine are made of similar metals !
No, you'll be fine. Believe me, you aren't the only person this has happened to! I wouldn't call anyone. Can't tell you how many screws, bolts, change there are in my machines, lol.
I have had money left in pockets before and they ended up in the washer. I highly doubt its going to hurt your family. My family is just fine. I am sure yours will be to.
Strange thing to be concerned about unless you meant a dish washing machine. If the coin works its way into the motor or pump it will cost you a lot of money so a friendly engineer consulted now could save money later.
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