MERCURIC CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0979

MERCURIC CHLORIDE
Mercuric bichloride
Mercury (II) chloride
Corrosive sublimate
Hg Cl₂
Molecular mass: 271.52
CAS # 7487-94-7
RTECS # OV9100000
ICSC # 0979
UN # 1624
EC # 080-002-00-6

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: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION	Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes) (see Ingestion).	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Pain. Blisters.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION	Abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Sore throat. Vomiting. Metallic taste.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers. 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, light metals and incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers).

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Aluminium foil is unsuitable as a packaging material.
T+ symbol
R: 26/27/28-33
S: 1/2-13-28-45
Note: A
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0979

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 CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0979

I
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D
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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE ODOURLESS CRYSTALS OR POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic vapours of mercury and chloride. Reacts with light metals. Incompatible with formates, sulfites, hypophosphites, phosphates, sulfides, albumin, gelatin, alkalies, alkaloid salts, ammonia, lime water, antimony and arsenic, bromide, borax, carbonate, iron, copper, lead, silver salts.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as Hg): ppm; 0.1 mg/m³ (skin) (ACGIH 1991-1992).

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:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of its aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. Exposure far above OEL may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the kidneys , resulting in nephrotic syndrome.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 302°C
Melting point: 276°C
Relative density (water = 1): 5.44
Solubility in water: moderate (6.9 g/100ml at 20°C)

Vapour pressure, kPa at 136.2°C: 0.133
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.101
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.1 (estimated)

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to aquatic organisms. 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.

NOTES

Solubility in water at 100°C: 48 g/100 ml. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Do NOT take working clothes home.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G11b

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0979	MERCURIC CHLORIDE
© 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.