International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO)International Chemical 
      Safety Cards 
            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.