help

i'd a little accident yesterday, as you can see. while i'm loath to admit that i'm domestically inept at times, this takes inability to a new low. or disability to a new height, depending on whether you're the half-empty or half-full type. and, as it turns out, i literally can't even boil water. J's somehow gone a year without any mishap and four months after i inherited the kettle, i manage to destroy it by absent-mindedly using it without sufficient water.

the red glow from the inside of the kettle scared me, and then the billowing smoke and when i finally quelled the flames, the coil had become a disturbing shade of black.

i'm guessing it oxidised? SO. this is where you come in. anyone know if it's still safe to use? i've asked many many people, some as far as singapore, and not one well-meaning friend has given me the go ahead. i'm in denial that it's not safe because i happen to be dependent on my kettle and the three litres of tea i drink every day. please let me know what you think! and if there's any scientific explanation.

is drinking water boiled with an oxidised coil safe?