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: Mercury Formula: Hg
Synonyms: Metallic mercury, quicksilver CAS #: 7439-97-6
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV
Mercury 0-100 0.1 mg/m3 (ceiling) 0.025 mg/m3 (vapor) (skin)
HMIS Ratings: Health: 2 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 356.9 oC Melting Point: -38.87 oC
Specific Gravity: 13.456 g/cc Vapor Pressure: 0.0012 mm Hg @ 20 oC
Vapor Density: 7.0 Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Silver-white, heavy, mobile, liquid metal. % Volatile: N/E or N/A
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method used): N/A Autoignition Temperature: N/A
Flammable Limits: Lower: N/A Upper: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Move containers from area if possible. Cool containers exposed to flames with water from side until well after fire is out (1984 Emergency Response Guidebook, DOT P 5800.3). Use agents suitable for type of fire. Use water in flooding amounts as a fog. Avoid breathing corrosive and poisonous vapors. Keep upwind.
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: May burn but does not ignite readily. Flammable, poisonous gases may accumulate in tanks and hopper cars. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil). May emit toxic mercury and mercury oxide vapors.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
Elemental mercury, liquid and vapor, is toxic due to its liquid solubility, lack of charge, and membrane permeability. Inhaled vapors (80%) diffuse rapidly through alveolar membranes into the blood and are systemically transported to body tissues, including the brain. Exposure to high concentrations (>1.2 mg/m3) of vapors for brief periods can cause pneumonitis, chest pains, dyspnea, coughing. Later, stomatitis, gingivitis, and salivation occur. Mercury can be absorbed slowly through the skin. Chronic symptoms involve the central nervous system, with tremors and various neuropsychiatric disturbances. The TLV would be exceeded if the contents of a small mercury clinical thermometer were dispersed in a closed 100' × 100' × 15' room. Gastrointestinal uptake of mercury is low (<5%).
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: Inhalation of a high concentration of mercury vapor can cause almost immediate dyspnea, cough, fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, salivation and metallic taste. Symptoms may resolve or may progress to necrotizing bronchiolitis, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and pneumothorax.
Ingestion: When ingested, necrosis begins immediately in the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. Within a few minutes, violent pain, profuse vomiting, and severe purging may occur. Patient may die within a few minutes from fluid/electrolyte losses and peripheral vascular collapse, but death (from uremia) is usually delayed 5 to 12 days.
Skin: May cause redness and irritation. Substance may be absorbed through intact skin causing anuria.
Eye: Contact may cause irritation. Solutions are corrosive and may cause corneal injury or burns.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: Inhalation of mercury vapor or dusts over a long period causes mercurialism. Findings extremely variable and include tremors, salivation, stomatitis, loosening of teeth, blue lines on gums, pain and numbness in extremities, nephritis, diarrhea, anxiety, headache, weight loss, anorexia, mental depression, insomnia, irritability and instability, hallucinations and evidence of mental deterioration.
Ingestion: No data
Skin: No data
Eye: Mercury may be deposited in the lens of the eye, causing visual disturbances.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, give oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention.
INGESTION: Gastric lavage with 5% solution of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, followed by 2% NaHO3, and finally leave 250 cc of the sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate in the stomach.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention.
EYE: Flush with running water, including under eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Thermal decomposition.
Incompatibility: Violent reaction: acetylenic compounds, ammonia, boron, diiodophosphide, ethylene oxide, metals (aluminum, potassium, lithium, sodium, rubidium) methyl azide, methyl silane, oxygen, oxidants (bromine, peroxyformic acid, chlorine dioxide, nitric acid, tetracarbonylnickel, nitromethane, silver perchlorate).
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic mercury vapors and mercury oxides.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
VII SPILL AND LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: DO NOT TOUCH SPILLED MATERIAL. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. For small spills, take up with sand or other absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal. A mercury spill kit may also be used for small spills in the workplace. For larger spills, dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. Keep unnecessary people away. Isolate hazard area and deny entry.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: Self-contained breathing apparatus can be used up to 5 mg/m3 with a full face piece above 1 mg/m3. Positive pressure-type air supplied breathing equipment has been recommended above 5 mg/m3.
Ventilation: Minimize vapor exposure by using a local exhaust. Operations requiring an exposed mercury surface should reduce the temperature of mercury to limit vaporization. General exhaust is recommended.
Protective Gloves: Wear rubber gloves.
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical safety glasses.
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Wear protective clothing appropriate for the work situation. Separate work and street clothing. Store work clothing in special lockers. Showers to be taken before changing to street clothes.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in closed unbreakable containers (polyethylene) in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of heat. Protect containers from physical damage.
Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating or smoking. Shower and change clothes at the end of the work shift. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.
Other Precautions: Mercury evaporates very slowly. Spilled mercury forms many tiny globules that will evaporate faster than a single pool and can develop a significant concentration of vapors in an unventilated area. Such vapors can be poisonous, especially if breathed over a long period of time. Heated mercury evolves high levels of toxic vapors. Provide replacement and periodic medical exams for those regularly exposed to mercury, with emphasis directed to central nervous system, skin, lungs, liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
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
Date: April 2005