MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.   PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Mercury Iodide

Formula:              HgI₂

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

OSHA/PEL for Hg:                        0.1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV for Hg Compounds:   0.1 mg/m³ (skin)

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     354 ^oC

Melting Point:                    259 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                6.36

Solubility in H₂O:               Very slightly soluble

Appearance and Odor:      Red crystalline solid

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Dry powder.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear SCBA unit when fighting chemical fires.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Mercury contamination

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Over Exposure:

Irritation:  Skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.  Moderate

Corrosivity:  Degree unknown

Sensitization:  Skin

Lung Effects:  Inhalation of mercury compounds can cause headache, cough, chest pain and tightness, and difficulty breathing.  It may also cause soreness in the mouth, nausea and diarrhea.  Long term exposure can cause "mercurialism" with fine shakes, insomnia, excess salivation, skin rashes and CNS effects including mental deterioration.

Ingestion:  Effects similar to inhalation.

Skin:  Repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis.  Mercury compounds may be absorbed through the skin.  A chronic poison. (LD50 oral rate:  40 mg/kg.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES:  Flush with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes.

SKIN:  Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin, flush with running water, wash carefully with soap and water.

INHALATION:  Remove from exposure.  Seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Incompatibility:  Strong acids, Na, K

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  HI, I₂, Hg fumes and vapors.

Conditions to Avoid:  Heat

Conditions Contributing to Instability:  Photo degradation.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Clean all spills immediately.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Can or cartridge gas or vapor (for iodine).

Ventilation:  Local Exhaust.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Prevent Skin and Clothing Contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:

‚             Wash thoroughly after handling.

‚             Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.

‚             Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas

‚             Keep container closed.

‚             Empty container may contain hazardous residues.

‚             Poison.

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Prepared By:         S. Dierks

Dated:                  October 1994