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| SECTION 1. CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION |
| CHEMINFO Record Number: |
322 |
| CCOHS Chemical Name: |
Mercury |
- Synonyms:
-
Colloidal mercury
Elemental mercury
Hydrargyrum
Liquid silver
Mercury metal
Metallic mercury
Quick silver
| Chemical Name French: |
Mercure |
| Chemical Name Spanish: |
Mercurio |
| CAS Registry Number: |
7439-97-6 |
| UN/NA Number(s): |
2809 |
| RTECS Number(s): |
OV4550000 |
| EU EINECS/ELINCS Number: |
231-106-7 |
| Chemical Family: |
Mercury and compounds / elemental mercury / mercury metal |
| Molecular Formula: |
Hg |
| Structural Formula: |
Hg |
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- Appearance and Odour:
- Silver-white, heavy, mobile, odourless liquid.(1,27,28)
- Odour Threshold:
- Mercury is odourless.
- Warning Properties:
- POOR - mercury is odourless and nonirritating.
- Composition/Purity:
- This review has addressed the hazards and control measures for elemental mercury only. Elemental mercury is a heavy liquid. Other inorganic mercury compounds are solids and have different absorption and distribution characteristics than elemental mercury. Although many of the target organs and toxic effects are similar for both elemental mercury and inorganic mercury compounds, there are some important differences which are relevant to human health hazard assessment.
Mercury is available in a number of grades with a purity of 99.9% and above.(2,27)
- Uses and Occurrences:
- Mercury is used mainly for the electrolytic production of chlorine and caustic soda from brine (chlor-alkali industry). It is also used in household batteries, in several types of electric lamps, including fluorescent lamps and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, in electric light switches and thermostats, in mercury vapour diffusion pumps for producing a high vacuum, in industrial and medical equipment, such as thermometers, monometers, barometers and other pressure-sensing devices, gauges, valves, seals, and navigational devices, in dental amalgams, in pigments, as a catalyst in polymer-forming reactions, in explosives, in pharmaceuticals, and in chemical applications.(1,27,29)
The use of mercury as a seed disinfectant, on food crops, as a biocide in paints and in antifouling paint formulations, as a coating for mirrors, for the manufacture of certain types of glass, the treatment of felt and as a fungicide in paper has been discontinued or banned.(27)
Mercury metal is widely distributed in nature, usually in quite low concentrations. The most important mineral of mercury is cinnabar, found in rocks near recent volcanic activity, or hot spring areas and in mineral veins or fractures.(27)
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| SECTION 3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION |
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- EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
- Silver-white, heavy, mobile, odourless liquid. Will not burn. VERY TOXIC. May be fatal if inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. May cause harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems, and the kidneys. May cause lung injury--effects may be delayed. CORROSIVE to some metals. SKIN SENSITIZER. May cause allergic skin reaction. REPRODUCTIVE HAZARD - may cause behaviourial effects, based on animal information.
- Important New Information:
- NOTE: The evaluation of this chemical as a skin sensitizer is under review. For additional information, contact the CHEMINFO team at cheminfo@ccohs.ca.
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Effects of Short-Term (Acute) Exposure
- Inhalation:
- Harmful effects due to short-term exposure to elemental mercury are rarely seen any more because of strict controls used in workplaces where mercury exposure might occur. Historically, short-term exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapour caused harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems, and the kidneys. In most cases, exposure occurred when mercury was heated.
Initial exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapour produces symptoms similar to "metal fume fever" including fatigue, fever, and chills.(1)
Respiratory system effects include cough, shortness of breath, tightness and burning pains in the chest and inflammation of the lungs. Occupational exposure to 1 to 44 mg/m3 of mercury vapour for 4 to 8 hours caused chest pain, cough, coughing up blood, impaired lung function and inflammation of the lungs. In some cases, a potentially life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) has occurred. Exposure to high, but unspecified, concentrations of mercury vapour has caused death due to respiratory failure. All of the reported deaths resulted from inhaling mercury vapours formed upon heating mercury.(1-4)
Several case reports have described harmful nervous system effects following inhalation of high concentrations of mercury vapour. The most prominent symptoms include tremors (initially affecting the hands and sometimes spreading to other parts of the body), emotional instability (including irritability, excessive shyness, a loss of confidence and nervousness), sleeplessness, memory loss, muscle weakness, headaches, slow reflexes and a loss of feeling or numbness.(1,3)
A classic sign of exposure to high concentrations of mercury is inflammation of inside of the mouth (stomatitis), sometimes with a metallic taste, excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing. Other digestive system effects include abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.(1)
Kidney injury is common following exposure to high concentrations of mercury. Reported effects range from increased protein in the urine to kidney failure. Exposure to high concentrations of mercury has also caused increased blood pressure and heart rate.(1)
- Skin Contact:
- Elemental mercury is not known to directly irritate the skin. However, an allergic skin reaction may develop following contact with mercury. For further information, refer to "Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure" below.
Elemental mercury liquid and vapour can be absorbed through the skin and may contribute to the overall absorption and toxicity.(1,4,5,6)
- Eye Contact:
- There is very little relevant information about the effects of getting liquid mercury in the eyes. It is probably not a direct eye irritant. In one case, droplets of mercury accumulated under the surface of the cornea in an person forcefully sprayed with mercury liquid. After two days, the cornea cleared and vision was normal.(7) High concentrations of mercury vapour can cause redness, burning and inflammation of the eyes.(1,7)
- Ingestion:
- Elemental mercury is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is more toxic following inhalation. In one report, ingestion of 204 gm did not cause harmful effects.(4) In a second report, ingestion of 220 mL (approximately 3.0 kg) caused immediate effects such as tremor, irritability, forgetfulness and fatigue. It is uncertain whether liver effects observed several months later were related to the mercury exposure.(8) Ingestion is not a typical route of occupational exposure. Although airborne droplets of elemental mercury are actually more likely to enter the gastrointestinal system rather than the lungs, resulting in lower absorption.(1)
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Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure
- The harmful effects of long-term exposure to elemental mercury are generally thought to be caused by inhalation exposure. However, mercury liquid and vapour are absorbed through the skin in small amounts and this route of exposure can contribute to the overall exposure. Effects following absorption through the skin are expected to be similar to those reported for long-term inhalation exposure.(4,5,6)
Mercury levels in urine are often used as a general indicator of how much exposure to mercury has occurred. As a result, urine mercury levels rather than airborne levels are provided in some of the reports which compare mercury exposures to specific health effects. Urine mercury levels are reported in micrograms/gram of creatinine (a component of the urine).
The relationship between airborne mercury levels and urine mercury levels is complicated and depends on many factors, including other sources of mercury exposure and individual physical differences. Several studies indicate that an airborne exposure of 0.025 mg/m3 mercury compares to approximately 37 micrograms/gram of creatinine in the urine.(6) Urine mercury levels in adults without occupational exposure are typically less than 3.0 micrograms/gram of creatinine. Sources of non-occupational exposure to inorganic mercury include new dental fillings.(6)
In this review, urinary mercury levels below 35 micrograms/gram of creatinine are considered to reflect relatively low mercury exposure; 35 to 50 micrograms/gram of creatinine reflects moderate exposure; 50 to 100 micrograms/gram of creatinine reflects moderately high exposure and above 100 micrograms/gram of creatinine reflects high exposure.
EFFECTS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: Effects on muscle coordination, mood, behaviour, memory, feeling and nerve conduction have been reported following long-term occupational exposure to mercury. These effects are often observed in employees with moderately high or high exposure to mercury. At lower exposures, the results are inconclusive with no effects being reported in some studies and mild effects reported in other studies.(1,2,3,5) Although improvement has been observed upon removal of the person from the source of exposure, it is possible that some of the changes may be irreversible.(1) The nervous system effects of mercury toxicity are sometimes referred to as "Mad Hatter's Disease".
A classic sign of mercury toxicity is a fine tremor, usually of the fingers, hands or arms and occasionally the eyelids, lips, tongue, and whole body. Many occupational studies indicate that tremors become more pronounced with longer exposures to mercury. Tremors are thought to be a sensitive indicator for long-term low-level exposure to mercury vapour. One report described tremors in employees with average exposures as low as 0.026 mg/m3 for an average of 15 years.(1,4)
Behaviour and personality changes such as irritability, excitation and shyness, psychotic reactions such as delirium and hallucinations, loss of appetite, tiredness, sleeplessness, short-term memory loss and impaired nerve conduction have also been reported following long-term exposure. In one study, subtle behaviourial effects were detected in dentists with moderate mercury exposure.(1,9)
Damage to the nerves of the arms and legs (polyneuropathy) has been reported in employees with high exposures. Reduced sensation and strength in the arms and legs, muscle cramps and decreased nerve conduction have been observed. Employees with episodes of very high exposure appear to be more at risk of developing these effects. Studies of employees in a chlor-alkali plant showed mild polyneuropathy in employees exposed to high levels of mercury. Signs included abnormalities in nerve conduction tests with reduced sensation and increased tremor of the arm.(1,5)
EFFECTS ON THE KIDNEY: Many occupational studies indicate that moderate to high exposure to mercury can cause harmful effects on the kidneys. When urine mercury levels are low to moderate, the results are inconclusive with no effects being reported in some studies and mild effects reported in others.(1,2,3,5)
Early indicators of kidney injury include increased levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria) and increased levels of certain enzymes in the blood and urine. Proteinuria is commonly observed in studies reporting kidney effects. Less often, changes to the structure of the kidneys have been shown. An increase in deaths from kidney disease in people occupationally exposed to mercury was not observed in one study.(1,5)
SKIN SENSITIZATION: Allergic skin sensitization has been reported in people with occupational exposure to mercury liquid or vapour. Once a person is sensitized to a chemical, contact with even a small amount causes outbreaks of dermatitis with symptoms such as skin redness, itching, rash and swelling. This can spread from the hands or arms to other parts of the body.
Occupational skin sensitization to mercury has been observed in people exposed to mercury in dental amalgams, tattoos or breakage of medical instruments.(1) Positive patch tests were obtained in a dentist (10), five doctors (11), a nurse's aid (12), a mercury recycling employee (13) and a pipeline repairman (14) who had developed of red, dry, itchy skin (contact dermatitis) following occupational exposure. Previous history of allergies was not discussed for any of these cases. Skin sensitization to mercury has also been reported in the general public.(2,3)
EFFECTS ON THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Limited information suggests that long-term exposure to mercury vapour can cause inflammation and ulceration of the inside of the mouth, sore gums, drooling, diarrhea and other effects on the digestive system.(1) No exposure information is reported, but presumably the concentrations were high.
EFFECTS ON THE HEART: Mercury may affect the heart producing increased blood pressure and/or heart rate. Two studies of employees with long-term exposure to low levels of mercury showed no effects on blood pressure or heart rhythm, as measured by electrocardiogram (ECG). A few other studies have shown effects on the heart including increased blood pressure and heart rate and abnormal ECG results. More deaths due to cardiovascular problems were observed in employees exposed to mercury in the chlor-alkali industry.(1,5) These studies are limited by factors such as exposure to other potentially harmful chemicals at the same time and weak exposure information.
EFFECTS ON THE IMMUNE AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS: In most studies, effects on the immune and endocrine systems were not observed in employees exposed to mercury. However, altered immune response has been suggested in a few studies.(1,3)
EFFECTS ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Very little information is available regarding effects on the respiratory system from long-term exposure. Two studies reported persistent cough in employees exposed to mercury vapour for several weeks. Another study reported no respiratory symptoms, X-ray abnormalities or impaired pulmonary function in employees exposed to mercury vapour levels up to 0.27 mg/m3 for more than 6 years.(1)
EFFECTS ON THE EYE: Long-term occupational exposure to mercury has caused a grayish-brown or yellow discoloration in the eyes of some people. This haze is not thought to affect vision. A gray band through the cornea (band keratopathy) has also been reported in a few people.(1,7) In one study, poor colour vision was observed in 33 employees with moderately high to high urine mercury levels.(15)
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- Carcinogenicity:
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- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that there is inadequate evidence in humans and animals for the carcinogenicity of mercury and mercury compounds. The overall IARC evaluation for metallic mercury and inorganic mercury compounds is that they are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).(2)
In most studies, increased cancer rates were not observed in people with occupational exposure. Brain tumours were increased in dentists and dental nurses exposed to metallic mercury, but this outcome was not observed in other similar populations. In another study, prostate and lung cancers were associated with exposure to metallic mercury. Other studies could not be interpreted because of study design limitations such as multiple chemical exposures.(2)
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- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that this chemical is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
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- The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has designated this chemical as not classifiable as a human carcinogen (A4).
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- The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has not listed this chemical in its report on carcinogens.
- Teratogenicity and Embryotoxicity:
- While it is not possible to draw firm conclusions based on the limited human information available, exposure to mercury has generally not caused harmful effects in the unborn child or more miscarriages. Two animal studies do indicate that mercury exposure during pregnancy can cause subtle behavioral changes in offspring, in the absence of harmful effects in the mothers.
Several human population studies have investigated pregnancy outcome in women routinely exposed to low levels of mercury in the workplace. Two large studies of dental assistants and dentists did not report an increase in birth defects. Two smaller studies, both with study design limitations, reported birth defects (such as spina bifida and dislocation of the hip).(2) One incompletely reported study suggested decreased birth weights.(1)
A small number of case reports have not described harmful effects on the unborn child following brief exposure of the mother to high levels of mercury during pregnancy.(2,5) Another case report describes a normal pregnancy outcome in a woman occupationally exposed to low levels of mercury vapour throughout pregnancy.(16) No conclusions can be drawn from one other case report where the infant was also deprived of oxygen during delivery.(17)
Most human population studies have not shown more miscarriages in women occupationally exposed to mercury. A few studies with significant design limitations have shown more miscarriages.(2,18)
- Reproductive Toxicity:
- Although it is not possible to draw firm conclusions based on the limited human information available, exposure to mercury may reduce fertility in females. Effects on male fertility have generally not been observed. There is no relevant animal information available.
In one study, fertility was decreased in female dental assistants who prepared 30 or more dental fillings per week and had poor work hygiene practices.(19) There was also some evidence of decreased fertility in a group of employees exposed to mercury at a lamp factory.(2) Both of these studies had design limitations. Complications during pregnancy and delivery and increased menstrual disorders have also been seen in some studies. However, all of the studies had design limitations including inadequate exposure assessment, inadequate controls and incomplete reporting of the data.(1,2,18)
Effects on fertility were not seen in three studies of men occupationally exposed to mercury. One study showed that the wives of men occupationally exposed to moderately high concentrations of mercury had more miscarriages, but another study did not show this effect.(1,2) Two studies showed no harmful effects on pregnancy when the father was exposed to mercury.(2)
- Mutagenicity:
- No conclusions about the mutagenicity of elemental mercury compounds in humans can be drawn from the available studies. Several studies of people with occupational exposure to mercury compounds have shown no increases in genetic damage, while other studies have reported effects. However, the available studies have all had design limitations such as small sample size, inadequate controls, other hazardous exposures (e.g. X-rays) and incomplete reporting.(1,2,20) The mutagenicity of elemental mercury has not been studied in animals or other test systems.
- Toxicologically Synergistic Materials:
- In one animal study, the offspring of pregnant rats exposed to both methylmercury and elemental mercury had more pronounced behaviourial effects than rats exposed to elemental mercury alone. Similar effects were not observed in the offspring of rats exposed to methylmercury alone.(21)
No conclusions can be drawn from one study which indicated that the mutagenic effects of elemental mercury are enhanced by smoking. This study was incompletely reported.(2)
Exposure to other metals at the same time, the use of penicillin-type antibiotics, and ingestion of ethanol in alcoholic beverages can the influence excretion of elemental mercury.(6)
- Potential for Accumulation:
- Elemental mercury is a heavy liquid. The vapour evaporates from the liquid and evaporation occurs more rapidly when the liquid is heated. The vapour is well absorbed following inhalation. It accumulates in the kidney and the brain. Elemental mercury is excreted from the body slowly. It has an elimination half-life of 40-60 days.(4) Most elemental mercury is excreted in exhaled air, and small amounts in the feces and urine. Very small amounts can be eliminated in sweat, saliva and milk. Following ingestion, elemental mercury is poorly absorbed and most of it is excreted in the feces. Elemental mercury liquid and vapour can be absorbed through the skin in small amounts. Elemental mercury is transferred to the developing child in a pregnant women.(18)
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| SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES |
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- Inhalation:
- Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g. wear appropriate protective equipment). Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be beneficial if administered by trained personnel, preferably on a doctor's advice. DO NOT allow victim to move about unnecessarily. Symptoms of pulmonary edema can be delayed up to 48 hours after exposure. Immediately transport victim to an emergency care facility.
- Skin Contact:
- Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective clothing, if necessary. Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Wash gently and thoroughly with water and non-abrasive soap for 5 minutes or until the chemical is removed. Remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Obtain medical attention immediately.
Discard contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods.
- Eye Contact:
- Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves, if necessary. Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Immediately flush the eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes or until the chemical is removed, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Obtain medical advice immediately.
- Ingestion:
- NEVER give anything by mouth if the victim is rapidly losing consciousness, is unconscious or is convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Obtain medical attention immediately.
- First Aid Comments:
- Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest). /Some recommendations in the above sections may be considered medical acts in some jurisdictions. These recommendations should be reviewed with a doctor and appropriate delegation of authority obtained, as required.
All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the material and its conditions of use in the workplace. Mercury can accumulate in the body and cause significant long-term health effects. Medical advice should be sought following any exposure.
- Note to Physicians:
- Many jurisdictions have specific regulations for mercury. These regulations may include requirements for medical surveillance programs, including pre- employment and pre-placement examinations, periodic medical examinations, clinical tests, health education and record keeping. Obtain detailed information from the appropriate government agency in relevant jurisdictions.
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| SECTION 5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES |
- Flash Point:
- Does not burn.(28,30)
- Lower Flammable (Explosive) Limit (LFL/LEL):
- Not applicable
- Upper Flammable (Explosive) Limit (UFL/UEL):
- Not applicable
- Autoignition (Ignition) Temperature:
- Not applicable
- Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact:
- Not sensitive. Stable metal.
- Sensitivity to Static Charge:
- Mercury metal will not accumulate static charge since it has a very high electrical conductivity (1.04 X 10(18) pS/m at 20 deg C). It is considered one of the best electrical conductors among the metals.(27)
- Electrical Conductivity:
- 1.04 X 10(18) pS/m at 20 deg C (27); 1.O63 X 10(18) pS/m at 0 deg C (29);
ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY: 95.8 microohms.cm at 20 deg C (27,31); 94.07 microohms.cm at 0 deg C (29) (calculated))
- Combustion and Thermal Decomposition Products:
- Mercury vapour and mercuric oxide.(30,31,32)
- Fire Hazard Summary:
- Mercury metal will not burn and does not support combustion. Under fire conditions, very toxic mercury vapour and mercuric oxide will be formed.
- Extinguishing Media:
- Mercury metal is not combustible and does not support combustion. Use extinguishing media appropriate to surrounding fire conditions.(30)
| NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) HAZARD IDENTIFICATION |
- NFPA - Comments:
- NFPA has no listing for this chemical in Codes 49 or 325.
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| SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES |
- Conversion Factor:
- 1 ppm = 8.19 mg/m3; 1 mg/m3 = 0.122 ppm at 25 deg C (calculated)
| Physical State: |
Liquid |
| Melting Point: |
-38.9 deg C (-38 deg F) (1,27,29) |
| Boiling Point: |
356.9 deg C (674.4 deg F) (27) |
| Relative Density (Specific Gravity): |
13.55 at 20 deg C (water = 1) (27) |
| Solubility in Water: |
Insoluble (56 micrograms/L at 25 deg C) (1) |
| Solubility in Other Liquids: |
Soluble in dilute and concentrated nitric acid, aqua regia (mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids), warm concentrated hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid (reacts). It is sparingly soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid and cold sulfuric acid.(1,27,29) |
| Coefficient of Oil/Water Distribution (Partition Coefficient): |
Log P(oct) = 5.95 (1) |
| pH Value: |
Not applicable |
| Viscosity-Dynamic: |
1.55 mPa.s (1.55 centipoise) at 20 deg C (27,32) |
| Surface Tension: |
480.3 mN/m (480.3 dynes/cm) (water = 75.6 mN/m) at 0 deg C (27,29); 484 mN/m (484 dynes/cm) at 25 deg C (31) |
| Vapour Density: |
7.0 (air=1) (30) |
| Vapour Pressure: |
1.70 X 10(-4) kPa (0.0013 mm Hg) at 20 deg C (29); 2.7 X 10(-4) kPa (0.002 mm Hg) at 25 deg C (1,31) |
| Saturation Vapour Concentration: |
1.7 ppm (14 mg/m3) (0.00017%) at 20 deg C; 2.6 ppm (21.5 mg/m3) (0.00026%) at 25 deg C (calculated) |
| Evaporation Rate: |
Not available |
| Critical Temperature: |
1450 deg C (2642 deg F) (29); 1677 deg C (3051 deg F) (27) |
| Critical Pressure: |
1.677 X 10(6) kPa (16604 atm.) (32) |
- Other Physical Properties:
- TRIPLE POINT: -38.84 deg c (-37.9 deg F) (27)
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| SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY |
- Stability:
- At ordinary temperatures, mercury is stable. Mercury reacts with hydrogen sulfide in the air to form mercuric sulfide.(27)
- Hazardous Polymerization:
- Does not occur
- Incompatibility - Materials to Avoid:
-
NOTE: Chemical reactions that could result in a hazardous situation
(e.g. generation of flammable or toxic chemicals, fire or detonation)
are listed here. Many of these reactions can be done safely if
specific control measures (e.g. cooling of the reaction) are in
place. Although not intended to be complete, an overview of
important reactions involving common chemicals is provided to assist
in the development of safe work practices.
AMMONIA - can react to form explosive compounds in the presence of traces of water.(33,34)
DRY BROMINE - react violently.(33)
CHLORINE - ignites at 200-300 deg C in a stream of chlorine.(33)
STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS (e.g. chlorine dioxide, peroxyformic acid, chlorates or nitrates) - can explode.(30,33)
ACETYLENIC COMPOUNDS (e.g. acetylene or 3-bromopropyne) - may explode due to formation of explosive acetylides.(33,34)
ETHYLENE OXIDE - may form unstable, explosive acetylide with traces of acetylene present in ethylene oxide.(33)
METHYL SILANE or TETRACARBONYLNICKEL (in the presence of oxygen), METHYL AZIDE or HOT SULFURIC ACID - can explode.(30,33,34)
SODIUM CARBIDE (ground) - can react vigorously.(34)
BORON DIIODOPHOSPHIDE - immediately ignites in mercury vapour.(33,34)
- Hazardous Decomposition Products:
- Mercuric sulfide
- Conditions to Avoid:
- Heat, flames, metal surfaces.
- Corrosivity to Metals:
- Many metals, such as copper and its alloys, brass, bronze and nickel- copper, zinc, lead, tin, aluminum, silver, gold and alkali metals, dissolve readily in mercury to form amalgams. Metals that have good or excellent resistance to corrosion by amalgamation include, iron, steel, stainless steel, nickel and molybdenum.(27,29,35)
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| SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION |
- LC50 (rat): Approximately 19.1 mg/m3 (4-hour exposure); cited as approximately 27 mg/m3 (2-hour exposure) (20/32 animals died) (undefined vapour or liquid/vapour mixture) (22)
- Eye Irritation:
- Inflammation was not observed in rabbits when mercury came into contact with the eyelids. The only reports of direct contact of mercury with the eye involve injection.(7) The results of these tests are not relevant for assessing irritancy.
- Effects of Short-Term (Acute) Exposure:
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- Inhalation:
- Severe damage was observed in the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, lungs and colon of rabbits exposed to 29 mg/m3 for 1 to 30 hours. Death due to respiratory failure occurred in 1/2 rabbits exposed for 30 hours.(23) In another study, 20/32 rats exposed to 27 mg/m3 mercury vapour for 2 hours died.(22)
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- Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure:
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- Inhalation:
- In a series of experiments, rats, rabbits and dogs were exposed to 0.1, 0.86 or 6.0 mg/m3 for 1 to 83 weeks. The central nervous system, kidneys, liver, heart and lungs were identified as target organs. The severity of effects was related to both the concentration and duration of exposure. The lowest concentration which produced harmful effects was 0.86 mg/m3 for up to 11 weeks. At this concentration, mild to moderate harmful changes were observed in rabbit kidneys and brain tissue. These effects were not fully reversible several weeks after exposure stopped. Effects were more pronounced at 6.0 mg/m3. No harmful effects were observed in rats, rabbits or dogs exposed to 0.1 mg/m3 for up to 83 weeks.(23)
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- Carcinogenicity:
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that there is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of metallic mercury in experimental animals.(2)
- Teratogenicity, Embryotoxicity and/or Fetotoxicity:
- Two well-reported studies have shown that exposure to mercury vapour during pregnancy can cause behavioral changes in the offspring.(21,24) In both studies, the offspring of rats exposed to up to 1.8 mg/m3 mercury during pregnancy had altered responses in behavioral tests conducted at 3 to 14 months of age.(21,24) In another study, behavioral effects were observed 2 and 4 months after newborn rats were exposed to 0.05 mg/m3 of mercury vapour several days after birth.(25)
In other studies, maternal toxicity was not evaluated or results were incompletely reported.(1,26) Therefore, these studies are not reviewed here.
- Reproductive Toxicity:
- No conclusions can be drawn from one study because it was incompletely reported. In this study female rats exposed to approximately 2.5 mg/m3 mercury for 6-8 weeks before pregnancy had longer fertility (estrous) cycles than unexposed animals.(26)
- Mutagenicity:
- No studies on the mutagenicity of elemental mercury in animals or other test systems were located.
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| SECTION 16. OTHER INFORMATION |
- Selected Bibliography:
- (1) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological profile for mercury (update). Draft. US Department of Health and Human Services, Aug. 1997
(2) The International Agency for Research on Cancer. Mercury and mercury compounds. In: IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Vol. 58. Beryllium, cadmium, mercury, and exposures in the glass manufacturing industry. World Health Organization, Feb. 1993. p. 239-345
(3) International Programme for Chemical Safety (IPCS). Inorganic Mercury. Environmental health criteria; 118. World Health Organization, 1991
(4) Beliles, R.P. The metals: mercury, Hg. In: Patty's industrial hygiene and toxicology. 4th ed. Edited by G.D. Clayton et al. Vol. II. Toxicology. Part C. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. p. 2124-2146
(5) Mercury, all forms except alkyl: Cas 7439-97-6 (elemental mercury). In: Documentation of the threshold limit values and biological exposure indices. 6th Edition. Supplement. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1996
(6) Mercury, elemental and inorganic forms. In: Documentation of the threshold limit values and biological exposure indices. 6th Edition. Supplement. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1996
(7) Grant, W.M., et al. Toxicology of the Eye. 4th ed. Charles C. Thomas, 1993
(8) Lin, J-L., et al. Massive oral ingestion of elemental mercury. Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology. Vol. 31, no. 3 (1993). p. 487-492
(9) Echeverria, D., et al. Behavioral effects of low-level exposure to Hg(o) among dentists. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. Vol. 17, no. 2 (Mar. 1995). p. 161-168
(10) Ancona, A., et al. Mercury sensitivity in a dentist. Contact Dermatitis. Vol. 8, no. 3 (1982). p. 218
(11) Rudzki, F. Occupational dermatitis among health service workers. Dermatosen. Vol. 27 , no. 4 (1979). p. 112-115
(12) Faria, A., et al. Systemic contact dermatitis due to mercury. Contact Dermatitis. Vol. 27, no. 2 (Aug. 1992). p. 110-111
(13) Schrallhammer-Benkler, K., et al. Acute mercury intoxication with lichenoid drug eruption followed by mercury contact allergy and development of antinuclear bodies. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Vol. 72, no. 4 (Aug. 1992). p. 294-296
(14) Swinyer, L.J. Allergic contact dermatitis from metallic mercury. Contact Dermatitis. Vol. 6, no. 3 (1980). p. 226-227
(15) Cavalleri, A., et al. Colour vision loss in workers exposed to elemental mercury vapour. Toxicology letters. Vol. 77, nos. 1-3 (May 1995). p. 351-356
(16) Warfvinge, K. Mercury exposure of a female dentist before pregnancy. British Dental Journal. Vol. 178, no. 4 (Feb. 25, 1995). p. 149-152
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