ICSC 0056 - MERCURY

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

MERCURY

ICSC: 0056
_{April 2004}

Quicksilver
Liquid silver

CAS No: 7439-97-6
RTECS No: OV4550000
UN No: 2809
EC No: 080-001-00-0

Hg
Atomic mass: 200.6

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	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.	T Symbol N Symbol R: 23-33-50/53 S: (1/2-)7-45-60-61 UN Hazard Class: 8 UN Pack Group: III	Special material. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

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.

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/m³ as TWA; (skin); A4; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.1 mg/m³; 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	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	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.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

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.

Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 05.07.2004