MERCURY (ICSC)

MERCURY	ICSC: 0056

Date of Peer Review: April 2004

Quicksilver
Liquid silver

CAS #

7439-97-6

RTECS #

OV4550000

Atomic mass: 200.6

UN #

2809

EC #

080-001-00-0

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 or elevated body temperature.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. 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		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 take to a doctor.
Ingestion		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area in case of a large spill! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable non-metallic containers as far as possible. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Special material. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU 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

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80GC9-II+III

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities Š IPCS, CEC 1999

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

MERCURY

ICSC: 0056

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS, HEAVY AND MOBILE SILVERY LIQUID METAL.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts violently with ammonia and halogens causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks aluminium and many other metals forming amalgams.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.025 mg/mł as TWA; (skin); A4; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.1 mg/mł; Sh; Peak limitation category: II(8); Carcinogen category: 3B; (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 vapours 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, resulting in irritability, emotional instability, tremor, mental and memory disturbances, speech disorders. May cause inflammation and discoloration of the gums. Danger of cumulative effects. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

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

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically 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

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

Š IPCS, CEC 1999

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Mercury (EHC 1, 1976)
       Mercury (WHO Food Additives Series 4)
       Mercury (WHO Food Additives Series 13)
       MERCURY (JECFA Evaluation)