MERCURY
MSDS Number: M1599 --- Effective Date: 12/08/96
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
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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)
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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(tm) and RESISORB(tm) 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)
Prop 65:
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:
Pure. New 16 section MSDS format, all sections have been revised.
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.)