Mercury compounds [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg)
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Synonyms & Trade Names
Colloidal mercury, Mercury metal, Metallic mercury, QuicksilverExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
NIOSH REL:Hg Vapor: TWA 0.05 mg/m3 [skin]
Other: C 0.1 mg/m3 [skin]
OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3 See Appendix GPhysical Description
Metal: Silver-white, heavy, odorless liquid. [Note: "Other" Hg compounds include all inorganic & aryl Hg compounds except (organo) alkyls.]Molecular Weight
200.6Boiling Point
674°FFreezing Point
-38°FSolubility
InsolubleVapor Pressure
0.0012 mmHgIonization Potential
?Specific Gravity
13.6 (metal)Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NAIncompatibilities & Reactivities
Acetylene, ammonia, chlorine dioxide, azides, calcium (amalgam formation), sodium carbide, lithium, rubidium, copperExposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin; cough, chest pain, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), bronchitis, pneumonitis; tremor, insomnia, irritability, indecision, headache, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); stomatitis, salivation; gastrointestinal disturbance, anorexia, weight loss; proteinuriaTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, kidneysPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
Other mercury compounds: NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 1 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern†
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 2.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern†(canister)
Up to 5 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern†
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern†
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern(canister)
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 10 mg/m3:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division