International Chemical Safety Cards

MERCURIC OXIDE ICSC: 0981
MERCURIC OXIDE
Mercuric oxide red
Mercuric oxide yellow
Mercury (II) Oxide
HgO
Molecular mass: 216.6
CAS # 21908-53-2
RTECS # OW8750000
ICSC # 0981
UN # 1641
EC # 080-002-00-6
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO contact with reducing agents.
In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with reducing agents, chlorine (see also Chemical Dangers).


 
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION Cough.
Avoid inhalation of fine dust and mist. Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES Redness.
Safety goggles, 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 Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
Separated from food and feedstuffs, reducing agents, chlorine and other reactive substances (see Chemical Dangers). Keep in the dark.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Aluminium is unsuitable as a packing material for this substance.
T+ symbol
R: 26/27/28-33
S: (1/2-)13-28-45
Note: A
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II
Severe marine pollutant.
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0981 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

MERCURIC OXIDE ICSC: 0981

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A
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
YELLOW, OR ORANGE-YELLOW, OR RED, HEAVY, ODOURLESS CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on exposure to light, on heating above 500°C, or on burning producing highly toxic fumes including mercury and oxygen , which increases fire hazard. Reacts violently with chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, hypophosphorous acid, hydrazine hydrate, magnesium (when heated), disulfur dichloride and hydrogen trisulfide. Incompatible with reducing agents.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as Hg): ppm; 0.1 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1990-1991).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on dispersion.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the kidneys , resulting in kidney failure.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
 Melting point (decomposes): 500°C
Relative density (water = 1): 11.1
 Solubility in water: none
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
 In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it persists in the environment.
N O T E S
Will turn shock-sensitive if contaminated with non-metals and metals. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Do NOT take working clothes home.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G11
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0981 MERCURIC OXIDE
© 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.