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NIOSH

MERCURY

ICSC: 0056

Quicksilver
Liquid silver
Hg
ICSC # 0056 		CAS # 7439-97-6
RTECS # OV4550000
UN # 2809
EC # 080-001-00-0
April 22, 2004 Validated

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: 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

STORAGE

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.
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs . Well closed.
Special material. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T symbol
N symbol
R: 23-33-50/53
S: 1/2-7-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: III
ICSC: 0056 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

MERCURY

ICSC: 0056

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

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

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


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).
OSHA PEL†: C 0.1 mg/m3
NIOSH REL: Hg Vapor: TWA 0.05 mg/m3 skin
Other: C 0.1 mg/m3 skin
NIOSH IDLH: 10 mg/m3 (as Hg) See: 7439976


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 systemandkidneys. 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

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
Electrical conductivity (NOT on card): 1.04 x 10(+18)pS/m

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.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80GC9-II+III

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0056 MERCURY
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, 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. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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