MERCURY
MSDS Number: M1599 --- Effective Date: 11/17/99
1. Product Identification
Synonyms: Quicksilver; hydrargyrum; Liquid Silver
CAS No.: 7439-97-6
Molecular Weight: 200.59
Chemical Formula: Hg
Product Codes:
J.T. Baker:
2564, 2567, 2569, 2572
Mallinckrodt: 1278, 1280, 1288
2. Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------- ---------
Mercury 7439-97-6 90 - 100% Yes
3. Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview
--------------------------
DANGER! CORROSIVE. CAUSES BURNS TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.
AFFECTS THE KIDNEYS AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN
REACTION.
J.T. Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings
(Provided here for your convenience)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Rating: 4 - Extreme (Poison)
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 3 - Severe (Life)
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Blue (Health)
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Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------
Inhalation:
Mercury vapor is highly toxic via this route.
Causes severe respiratory tract damage. Symptoms include sore throat,
coughing, pain, tightness in chest, breathing difficulties, shortness of
breath, headache, muscle weakness, anorexia, gastrointestinal disturbance,
ringing in the ear, liver changes, fever, bronchitis and pneumonitis. Can be
absorbed through inhalation with symptoms similar to ingestion.
Ingestion:
May cause burning of the mouth and pharynx,
abdominal pain, vomiting, corrosive ulceration, bloody diarrhea. May be
followed by a rapid and weak pulse, shallow breathing, paleness, exhaustion,
tremors and collapse. Delayed death may occur from renal failure.
Gastrointenstinal uptake of mercury is less than 5% but its ability to
penetrate tissues presents some hazard. Initial symptoms may be thirst,
possible abdominal discomfort.
Skin Contact:
Causes irritaton
and burns to skin. Symptoms include redness and pain. May cause skin allergy
and sensitization. Can be absorbed through the skin with symptoms to parallel
ingestion.
Eye Contact:
Causes irritation and burns to eyes.
Symptoms include redness, pain, blurred vision; may cause serious and
permanent eye damage.
Chronic Exposure:
Chronic exposure
through any route can produce central nervous system damage. May cause muscle
tremors, personality and behavior changes, memory loss, metallic taste,
loosening of the teeth, digestive disorders, skin rashes, brain damage and
kidney damage. Can cause skin allergies and accumulate in the body. Repeated
skin contact can cause the skin to turn gray in color. A suspected
reproductive hazard; may damage the developing fetus and decrease fertility in
males and females.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with nervous disorders, or impaired kidney or respiratory
function, or a history of allergies or a known sensitization to mercury may be
more susceptible to the effects of the substance.
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give
artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical
attention immediately.
Ingestion:
Induce vomiting immediately
as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin
Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention
immediately. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical
attention immediately.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard.
Explosion:
Not considered to be an explosion hazard.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use any means suitable for
extinguishing surrounding fire. Do not allow water runoff to enter sewers or
waterways.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear
full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus
with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure
mode. Undergoes hazardous reactions in the presence of heat and sparks or
ignition. Smoke may contain toxic mercury or mercuric oxide. Smoke may contain
toxic mercury or mercuric oxide.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Ventilate area of leak or spill. Clean-up personnel require
protective clothing and respiratory protection from vapor. Spills: Pick up and
place in a suitable container for reclamation or disposal in a method that
does not generate misting. Sprinkle area with sulfur or calcium polysulfide to
suppress mercury. Do not flush to sewer. US Regulations (CERCLA) require
reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable
quantities. The toll free number for the US Coast Guard National Response
Center is (800) 424-8802.
J. T. Baker CINNASORB(R) and RESISORB(R) are
recommended for spills of this product.
7. Handling and Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry,
ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Isolate from any source of
heat or ignition. Do not use or store on porous work surfaces (wood, unsealed
concrete, etc.). Follow strict hygiene practices. Containers of this material
may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (vapors,
liquid); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits:
- OSHA Acceptable Ceiling
Concentration:
mercury and mercury compounds: 0.1 mg/m3 (TWA), skin
-
ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
inorganic and metallic mercury, as Hg:
0.025 mg/m3 (TWA) skin, A4 Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
- ACGIH
Biological Exposure Indices:
total inorganic mercury in urine (preshift):
35 ug/g creatinine;
total inorganic mercury in blood (end of shift): 15
ug/l.
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general
exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure
Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can
control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion
of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document,
Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent
edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
If
the exposure limit is exceeded, a half-face respirator with a mercury vapor or
chlorine gas cartridge may be worn for up to ten times the exposure limit or
the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency
or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. A full-face piece respirator with
a mercury vapor or chlorine gas cartridge may be worn up to 50 times the
exposure limit, or the maximum use concentraiton specified by the appropriate
regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For emergencies
or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face piece
positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators
do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin
Protection:
Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots,
gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face
shield where splashing is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and
quick-drench facilities in work area.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance:
Silver-white, heavy, mobile, liquid metal.
Odor:
Odorless.
Solubility:
Insoluble in water.
Density:
13.55
pH:
No information found.
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
100
Boiling
Point:
356.7C (675F)
Melting Point:
-38.87C (-38F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
7.0
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
0.0018 @ 25C (77F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
4
10. Stability and Reactivity
Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and
storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
At high
temperatures, vaporizes to form extremely toxic fumes.
Hazardous
Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Acetylenes, ammonia, ethylene oxide, chlorine dioxide, azides, metal
oxides, methyl silane, lithium, rubidium, oxygen, strong oxidants, metal
carbonyls.
Conditions to Avoid:
Heat, flames, ignition sources,
metal surfaces and incompatibles.
11. Toxicological Information
Toxicological Data:
Investigated as a tumorigen,
mutagen, reproductive effector.
Reproductive Toxicity:
All
forms of mercury can cross the placenta to the fetus, but most of what is
known has been learned from experimental animals. See Chronic Health Hazards.
Carcinogenicity:
EPA / IRIS classification: Group D1 - Not
classifiable as a human carcinogen.
--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
---NTP Carcinogen---
Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category
------------------------------------ ----- ----------- -------------
Mercury (7439-97-6) No No 3
12. Ecological Information
Environmental Fate:
This material has an
experimentally-determined bioconcentration factor (BCF) of greater than 100.
This material is expected to significantly bioaccumulate.
Environmental
Toxicity:
This material is expected to be toxic to aquatic life. The
LC50/96-hour values for fish are less than 1 mg/l.
13. Disposal Considerations
Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be
handled as hazardous waste and sent to a RCRA approved waste facility.
Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste
management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from
federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in
accordance with federal, state and local requirements.
14. Transport Information
Domestic (Land, D.O.T.)
-----------------------
Proper Shipping Name: RQ, MERCURY
Hazard Class: 8
UN/NA: UN2809
Packing Group: III
Information reported
for product/size: 2.5KG
International (Water, I.M.O.)
-----------------------------
Proper Shipping Name: MERCURY
Hazard Class: 8
UN/NA: UN2809
Packing Group: III
Information reported for product/size: 2.5KG
International (Air, I.C.A.O.)
-----------------------------
Proper Shipping Name: MERCURY
Hazard Class: 8
UN/NA: UN2809
Packing Group: III
Information reported
for product/size: 2.5KG
15. Regulatory Information
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
Ingredient TSCA EC Japan Australia
----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- ---------
Mercury (7439-97-6) Yes Yes No Yes
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
--Canada--
Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil.
----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- -----
Mercury (7439-97-6) Yes Yes No Yes
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
-SARA 302- ------SARA 313------
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg.
----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- --------------
Mercury (7439-97-6) No No Yes No
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
-RCRA- -TSCA-
Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Mercury (7439-97-6) 1 U151 No
Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: No
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: Yes Fire: No Pressure: No
Reactivity: No (Pure / Liquid)
WARNING:
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS A CHEMICAL(S) KNOWN TO
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
Australian Hazchem Code: 2Z
Poison Schedule: S7
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard
criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains
all of the information required by the CPR.
16. Other Information
NFPA Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 0
Reactivity: 0
Label Hazard Warning:
DANGER! CORROSIVE.
CAUSES BURNS TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED
OR INHALED. HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. AFFECTS THE KIDNEYS AND CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION.
Label
Precautions:
Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
Do not
breathe vapor.
Keep container closed.
Use only with adequate
ventilation.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Label First Aid:
If swallowed, induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical
personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If inhaled,
remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If
breathing is difficult, give oxygen. In case of contact, immediately flush
eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. In all cases get
medical attention immediately.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
No changes.
Disclaimer:
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Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in
good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or
accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate
precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this
product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent
judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose.
MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE
INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS.
ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION.
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Prepared by: Strategic Services Division
Phone Number: (314)
539-1600 (U.S.A.)