International Chemical Safety Cards

MERCURY ICSC: 0056
MERCURY
Quicksilver
Liquid silver
Hydrargyrum
Hg
Atomic mass: 200.6
CAS # 7439-97-6
RTECS # OV4550000
ICSC # 0056
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.
NO contact with flammable substances.
In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances (see Chemical Dangers).

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.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED!
    		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 STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! 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 (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from azides, acetylene, ammonia, food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
    		Special material. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T symbol
    R: 23-33
    S: (1/2-)7-45
    UN Hazard Class: 8
    UN Packing Group: III
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0056 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    MERCURY ICSC: 0056

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




    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts violently with alkali metals, acetylene, azides, ammonia gas, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, sodium carbide and ethylene oxide. Attacks copper and many other metals forming amalgams.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; 0.025 mg/m3 (as TWA) (skin) (ACGIH 1994-1995).
    MAK: 0.01 ppm; 0.1 mg/m3; (1992).


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation 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:
     Inhalation of the vapours may cause pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys and the central nervous system. 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 emotional and psychic instability, tremor mercurialis, cognitive disturbances, speech disorders. 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.
    N O T E S
    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


    ICSC: 0056 MERCURY
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or 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. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.