ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Mercuric Oxide, Red Synonyms: Mercury II Oxide, Red
Chemical Family: Mercury Compounds Formula: HgO
CAS #: 21908-53-2
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Weight: 90-100 %
Threshold Limit Value (TLV/TWA): 0.1 mg/m3
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL): Not established
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 0.1 mg/m3 (PEL listed denotes ceiling limit.)
Toxicity of Components: Oral rat LD50 for Mercuric Oxide 18 mg/kg
SARA/Title III Hazard Categories and Lists:
Acute: Yes Chronic: Yes Flammability: No Pressure: No Reactivity: No
Extremely Hazardous Substance: Yes
CERCLA Hazardous Substance: Yes, contains mercury (RQ = 1 LB)
SARA 313 Toxic Chemicals: Yes, contains mercury.
Generic Class: Generic Class Removed from CFR: 7/1/91
TSCA Inventory: Yes
III PHYSICAL DATA
Melting Point: 500 oC (932 oF at 760 mm Hg) Decomposes Boiling Point: N/A
Solubility in H2O: Negligible (<0.1%) Specific Gravity: 11.1
Evaporation Rate: 0.6 (Butyl Acetate = 1) % Volatiles by Volume: 0 (21 oC)
Appearance and Odor: Orange to red powder. Odorless. Physical State: Solid
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A
Fire Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters should wear proper protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Note: Decomposes at melting point. Can react violently with shock, friction or heat.
Toxic Gases Produced: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, mercury fumes.
Explosion Data-Sensitivity to Static Discharge: None identified.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation? Yes Skin? Yes Eyes? Yes Ingestion? Yes Other? No
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):
Mercury is a general protoplasmic poison; after absorption it circulates in the blood and is stored in the liver, kidneys, spleen and bone. In industrial poisoning, the principal effect is upon the central nervous system, the mouth, and gums. The cardinal symptoms of mercury poisoning are stomatitis, tremors, and psychic disturbances. In humans, it is readily absorbed by the respiratory tract, intact skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. Occasional incidental mercury may be without harm. Spilled and heated elemental mercury is particularly hazardous. A number of mercury compounds, in addition to the fulminate, can cause skin irritation and be absorbed through the skin. They are strong allergens and common air contaminants.
Inhalation: Acute: Danger-poison
Chronic: May cause mercury poisoning
Ingestion: Acute: Danger-poison
Chronic: May cause kidney damage and possibly death.
Skin: Acute: May cause irritation
Chronic: May cause dermatitis
Eye: Acute: May cause irritation
Chronic: May cause conjunctivitis.
Target Organs: May affect the skin, central nervous system, respiratory system, kidneys and eyes.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Inhalation: Mercury poisoning may cause stomitis, tremors, excessive salivation, pain when chewing, gingivitis with loosening of the teeth, dark line on gums, psychic disturbances including loss of memory, insomnia, lack of confidence, irritation, vague fears and depression.
Ingestion: Mercury poisoning may cause stomitis, tremors, excessive salivation, pain when chewing, gingivitis with loosening of the teeth, dark line on gums, psychic disturbances including loss of memory, insomnia, lack of confidence, irritation, vague fears and depression.
Skin: May cause redness, itching and inflammation.
Eyes: May cause redness, itching, burning, and watering.
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, kidneys.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Allergies, Chronic respiratory disease, nerve system disorders, kidney disorders.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INGESTION: CALL A PHYSICIAN. If swallowed, if conscious, immediately induce vomiting.
INHALATION: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
SKIN CONTACT: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before re-use.
EYE CONTACT: In case of eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Mercury fumes, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Incompatibles: Reducing agents, acetyl nitrate, butadiene+ethanol+iodine, chlorine+hydrogen, diboron tetrafluoride, hydrogen peroxide+traces of nitric acid, non-metals, metals, hydrogen trisulfide, hydrazine hydrate, hypophosphorus acid. iodine+methanol or ethanol, phospham, acetyl nitrate, SCl reductants.
VII SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. With clean shovel, carefully place material into clean, dry container and cover, remove from area. Flush spill area with water.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local Environmental Regulations.
EPA Hazardous Waste Number: D009 (EP Toxic Waste)
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: None required where adequate ventilation conditions exist. If airborne concentration exceeds TLV, a self-contained breathing apparatus is advised.
Ventilation: Local Exhaust: To maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV Other: None
Special: Handle in a controlled, enclosed process Mechanical: Not recommended
Eye/Skin Protection: Safety goggles, uniform, apron, proper gloves are recommended.
Ventilation: Use general or local exhaust ventilation to meet TLV requirements.
Work/Hygienic/Maintenance Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off of clothing or skin with compressed air.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Handling and Storage Conditions: Keep product out of light. Keep container tightly closed. Store in secure poison area. Store in light-resistant containers.
SAF-T-DATA* Storage Color Code: Blue (Health)
Transportation Data and Additional Information:
Domestic (DOT): International (IMO):
Proper Shipping Name: Mercuric oxide, solid Proper Shipping Name: Mercuric oxide, solid
Hazard Class: 6.1 Hazard Class: 6.1
UN/NA: UN1641 UN: UN1641
Labels: POISON Marine Pollutants: No
Regulatory References: 49CFR 172.101 IMO Page: 6167
Packaging Group: II Packaging Group: II
Labels: POISON
Transportation Data and Additional Information: Regulatory References: 49CFR PART 176; IMDG Code
Air (I.C.A.O.):
Proper Shipping Name: Mercuric oxide, solid
Hazard Class: 6.1
UN: UN1641
Labels: POISON
Packaging Group: II
US Cusoms Harmonization Number: 28259000000
NOTE: When handling liquid products, secondary protective containers must be used for carrying.
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.
Issued By: S. Dierks
Dated: April 1994