IPCS INCHEM Home
MERCURY
ICSC: 0056
Peer-Review Status: 22.04.2004 Validated
Quicksilver
Liquid silver 
CAS #: 7439-97-6 RTECS #: OV4550000
UN #: 2809
EC #: 080-001-00-0
EINECS #: 231-106-7
 		    Formula: Hg
Atomic mass: 200.6

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. 
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion.    In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN! AVOID EXPOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Abdominal pain. Cough. Diarrhoea. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Fever.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes   Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable non-metallic containers as far as possible. Do NOT wash away into sewer.  Special material.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: T, N; R: 23-33-50/53; S: (1/2)-7-45-60-61 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: III 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80GC9-II+III.  Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
ODOURLESS HEAVY MOBILE SILVERY LIQUID METAL. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic fumes. Reacts violently with ammonia and halogens. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks aluminium and many other metals. This produces amalgams. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.025mg/m³ as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.1 mg/m³; Carcinogen category: 3B; Peak limitation category: II(8); Sensitization of skin (SH); (DFG 2003). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and through the skin also as a vapour. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the skin. Inhalation of the vapour may cause pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in irritability, emotional instability, tremors, mental and memory disturbances and speech disorders. May cause inflammation and discoloration of gums. Cumulative effects are possible. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 357°C
Melting point: -39°C
Relative density (water = 1): 13.5
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.26
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 6.93
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.009
Electrical conductivity: 1.04x10e18 pS/m   		The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in fish. 

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated.
No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present.
Do NOT take working clothes home. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Mercury (EHC 1, 1976)
       Mercury (WHO Food Additives Series 4)
       Mercury (WHO Food Additives Series 13)
       MERCURY (JECFA Evaluation)
       Mercury (UKPID)