Mercury

  • Quicksilver
  • Liquid silver
  • Hydragyrum
Formula Hg
Structure
Description Silver-white, heavy, mobile, odorless liquid.
Uses Substance is used in barometers, thermometers, hydrometers, pyrometers.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 7439-97-6
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 231-106-7
EC Index Number 080-001-00-0
EC Class Toxic; Danger of cumulative effects; Dangerous for the Environment
EC Risk Phrase R 23 33 50/53
EC Safety Phrase S 7 45 60 61
RTECS OV4550000
RTECS class Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Drug; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data
UN (DOT) 2809
Merck 13,5925
Beilstein/Gmelin 1623 (G)
RCRA U151
EPA OPP 52301
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-2040
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold Odorless
Properties.
Formula Hg
Formula mass 200.59
Melting point, °C -39
Boiling point, °C 356.5
Vapor pressure, mmHg 0.002
Vapor density (air=1) 7
Saturation Concentration 1.71 ppm (14 mg/m3) (0.00017%) at 20 C; 2.63 ppm (21.5 mg/m3) (0.00026%) at 25 C (calculated)
Evaporization number 4 (butyl acetate=1)
Critical temperature 1462
Critical pressure 1587
Density 13.54 g/cm3
Solubility in water Slightly soluble
Viscosity 1.55 cpec (15.5 millip) at 20C
Surface tension 470 g/s2 @ 20 C
Heat of fusion 2.3 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 61.2 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep away from metals. Store protected from azides.
WHMIS D1A D2A D2B E
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Keep container tightly closed. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Discard contaminated shoes. Do not breathe vapors.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.
Small spills/leaks Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities Metals, aluminum, ammonia, chlorates, copper, copper alloys, ethylene oxide, halogens, iron, nitrates, sulfur, sulfuric acid, oxygen, acetylene, lithium, rubidium, sodium carbide, lead, nitromethane, peroxyformic acid, calcium, chlorine dioxide, metal oxides, azides, 3-bromopropyne, alkynes + silver perchlorate, methylsilane + oxygen, tetracarbonylnickel + oxygen, boron diiodophosphide.
Decomposition Mercury/mercury oxides.

Fire.
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Water runoff can cause environmental damage. Dike and collect water used to fight fire. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Extinguishing media: Substance is nonflammable; use agent most appropriate to extinguish surrounding fire. In case of fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
Fire potential Non-combustible.
Hazards Not flammable
Combustion products Dangerous when heated, it emits highly toxic fumes.
NFPA Health 3
  Flammability 0  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) 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)
Poison_Class 2
Exposure effects May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Effects may be delayed. Chronic exposure to mercury may cause permanent central nervous system damage, fatigue, weight loss, tremors, personality changes. Chronic ingestion may cause accumulation of mercury in body tissues. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause inflammation of the mouth and gums, excessive salivation, and loosening of the teeth.
   Ingestion May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. May cause systemic effects.
   Inhalation Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms with metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain and increased white blood cell count. May cause central nervous system effects including vertigo, anxiety, depression, muscle incoordination, and emotional instability. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. May cause systemic effects. May cause respiratory sensitization.
   Skin May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. Causes skin irritation and possible burns. May cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color.
   Eyes Exposure to mercury or mercury compounds can cause discoloration on the front surface of the lens, which does not interfere with vision. Causes eye irritation and possible burns. Contact with mercury or mercury compounds can cause ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Wash mouth out with water.
   Inhalation Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
   Skin Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.
   Eyes Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

Transport.
UN number 2809
Response guide 172
Hazard class 8
Packing Group III  
USCG CHRIS Code MCR  
HS Code 2805 40 90  
Std. Transport # 4936336