IPCS INCHEM Home
MERCURYICSC: 0056 (November 2019)
Quicksilver
Liquid silver
CAS #: 7439-97-6
UN #: 2809
EC Number: 231-106-7

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  Risk of fire and explosion.      In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Fever. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Abdominal pain. Headache. Weakness.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. See Notes. 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 CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit and filter respirator for mercury adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable non-metallic containers as far as possible. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

corrskull;toxiccancer;health hazenviro;aqua
DANGER
May be corrosive to metals
Fatal if inhaled
May damage fertility or the unborn child
Causes damage to central nervous system and kidneys
Causes damage to the central nervous system and the kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III 

STORAGE
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. 
PACKAGING
Special material.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant. 
MERCURY ICSC: 0056
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
ODOURLESS HEAVY MOBILE SILVERY LIQUID METAL. 

Physical dangers
 

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

Formula: Hg
Atomic mass: 200.6
Boiling point: 357°C
Melting point: -39°C
Density: 13.5 g/cm³
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 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the skin. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapour may cause pneumonitis. This may result in death. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in tremors and tissue lesions. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. 

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

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. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.025 mg/m3, as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued.
EU-OEL: 0,02 mg/m3 as TWA.
MAK: (inhalable fraction): 0.02 mg/m3; peak limitation category: II(8); skin absorption (H); sensitization of skin (SH); carcinogen category: 3; pregnancy risk group: D 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in fish and seafood. 

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
There is no odour warning even when toxic concentrations are present.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Isolate contaminated clothing by sealing in a bag or other container.
Other UN number: 3506 Mercury contained in manufactured articles. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
H330; H372; H400; H410; H360D 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    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)