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.