Material Safety Data Sheet
Mercury

ACC# 14020
Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification

MSDS Name: Mercury
Catalog Numbers: S40672B, S41542, S41599, S41599B, S41599E, S41599G, S41599J, S41599K, S41599M, S41600P, S41600S, S41600W, S41630A, S41630B, S41630C, S41631, S41631A, S41631B, S41631C, S41645, S46981, S50443, S71967, S71968, S78777, 13501, M139-1LB, M139-5LB, M140-14LB, M140-1LB, M140-5LB, M141-1LB, M141-6LB, NC9534278
Synonyms: Colloidal mercury; Hydrargyrum; Metallic mercury; Quick silver; Liquid silver.
Company Identification:
              Fisher Scientific
              1 Reagent Lane
              Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
For information, call: 201-796-7100
Emergency Number: 201-796-7100
For CHEMTREC assistance, call: 800-424-9300
For International CHEMTREC assistance, call: 703-527-3887

Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients

CAS# Chemical Name Percent EINECS/ELINCS
7439-97-6 Mercury 100 231-106-7

Section 3 - Hazards Identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Appearance: silver liquid.
Danger! Corrosive. Harmful if inhaled. May be absorbed through intact skin. Causes eye and skin irritation and possible burns. May cause severe respiratory tract irritation with possible burns. May cause severe digestive tract irritation with possible burns. May cause central nervous system effects. This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in animals. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal-fume fever. May cause liver and kidney damage. Possible sensitizer.
Target Organs: Blood, kidneys, central nervous system, liver, brain.


Potential Health Effects
Eye: Exposure to mercury or mercury compounds can cause discoloration on the front surface of the lens, which does not interfere with vision. Causes eye irritation and possible burns. Contact with mercury or mercury compounds can cause ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea.
Skin: May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. Causes skin irritation and possible burns. May cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color.
Ingestion: May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. May cause systemic effects.
Inhalation: Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms with metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain and increased white blood cell count. May cause central nervous system effects including vertigo, anxiety, depression, muscle incoordination, and emotional instability. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. May cause systemic effects. May cause respiratory sensitization.
Chronic: May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Effects may be delayed. Chronic exposure to mercury may cause permanent central nervous system damage, fatigue, weight loss, tremors, personality changes. Chronic ingestion may cause accumulation of mercury in body tissues. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause inflammation of the mouth and gums, excessive salivation, and loosening of the teeth.

Section 4 - First Aid Measures


Eyes: Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub eyes or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation with water is required (at least 30 minutes).
Skin: Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Wash mouth out with water.
Inhalation: Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
Notes to Physician: The concentration of mercury in whole blood is a reasonable measure of the body-burden of mercury and thus is used for monitoring purposes. Treat symptomatically and supportively. Persons with kidney disease, chronic respiratory disease, liver disease, or skin disease may be at increased risk from exposure to this substance.
Antidote: The use of d-Penicillamine as a chelating agent should be determined by qualified medical personnel. The use of Dimercaprol or BAL (British Anti-Lewisite) as a chelating agent should be determined by qualified medical personnel.

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures


General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Water runoff can cause environmental damage. Dike and collect water used to fight fire. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion.
Extinguishing Media: Substance is nonflammable; use agent most appropriate to extinguish surrounding fire. Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
Flash Point: Not applicable.
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable.
Explosion Limits, Lower:Not available.
Upper: Not available.
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 3; Flammability: 0; Instability: 0

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures


General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks: Absorb spill with inert material (e.g. vermiculite, sand or earth), then place in suitable container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective Equipment section. Provide ventilation.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage


Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Keep container tightly closed. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Discard contaminated shoes. Do not breathe vapor.
Storage: Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep away from metals. Store protected from azides.

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection


Engineering Controls: Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use only under a chemical fume hood.
Exposure Limits
Chemical Name ACGIH NIOSH OSHA - Final PELs
Mercury 0.025 mg/m3 TWA; Skin - potential significant contribution to overall exposure by the cutaneous r oute 0.05 mg/m3 TWA (vapor) 10 mg/m3 IDLH 0.1 mg/m3 Ceiling (vapor)

OSHA Vacated PELs: Mercury: 0.05 mg/m3 TWA (vapor)
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.
Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators: A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant respirator use.

Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties


Physical State: Liquid
Appearance: silver
Odor: odorless
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 0.002 mm Hg @ 25C
Vapor Density: 7.0
Evaporation Rate:Not available.
Viscosity: 15.5 mP @ 25 deg C
Boiling Point: 356.72 deg C
Freezing/Melting Point:-38.87 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:Not available.
Solubility: Insoluble.
Specific Gravity/Density:13.59 (water=1)
Molecular Formula:Hg
Molecular Weight:200.59

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity


Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, incompatible materials.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Oxygen, sulfur, acetylene, ammonia, chlorine dioxide, azides, chlorates, nitrates, sulfuric acid, halogens, rubidium, calcium, 3-bromopropyne, ethylene oxide, lithium, methylsilane + oxygen, peroxyformic acid, tetracarbonylnickel + oxygen, copper, copper alloys, boron diiodophosphide, metals, nitromethane, sodium carbide, aluminum, lead, iron, metal oxides.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Mercury/mercury oxides.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

Section 11 - Toxicological Information


RTECS#:      
CAS# 7439-97-6: OV4550000
LD50/LC50:
Not available.

Carcinogenicity:
CAS# 7439-97-6: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or CA Prop 65.

Epidemiology: Intraperitoneal, rat: TDLo = 400 mg/kg/14D-I (Tumorigenic - equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria - tumors at site of application).
Teratogenicity: Inhalation, rat: TCLo = 1 mg/m3/24H (female 1-20 day(s) after conception) Effects on Embryo or Fetus - fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus).
Reproductive Effects: Inhalation, rat: TCLo = 890 ng/m3/24H (male 16 week(s) pre-mating) Paternal Effects - spermatogenesis (incl. genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count).; Inhalation, rat: TCLo = 7440 ng/m3/24H (male 16 week(s) pre-mating) Fertility - post-implantation mortality (e.g. dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants).
Mutagenicity: Cytogenetic Analysis: Unreported, man = 150 ug/m3.
Neurotoxicity: The brain is the critical organ in humans for chronic vapor exposure; in severe cases, spontaneous degeneration of the brain cortex can occur as a late sequela to past exposure.
Other Studies:

Section 12 - Ecological Information


Ecotoxicity: Fish: Rainbow trout: LC50 = 0.16-0.90 mg/L; 96 Hr; UnspecifiedFish: Bluegill/Sunfish: LC50 = 0.16-0.90 mg/L; 96 Hr; UnspecifiedFish: Channel catfish: LC50 = 0.35 mg/L; 96 Hr; UnspecifiedWater flea Daphnia: EC50 = 0.01 mg/L; 48 Hr; Unspecified In aquatic systems, mercury appears to bind to dissolved matter or fine particulates, while the transport of mercury bound to dust particles in the atmosphere or bed sediment particles in rivers and lakes is generally less substantial. The conversion, in aquatic environments, of inorganic mercury cmpd to methyl mercury implies that recycling of mercury from sediment to water to air and back could be a rapid process.
Environmental: Mercury bioaccumulates and concentrates in food chain (concentration may be as much as 10,000 times that of water). Bioconcentration factors of 63,000 for freshwater fish and 10,000 for salt water fish have been found. Much of the mercury deposited on land, appears to revaporize within a day or two, at least in areas substantially heated by sunlight.
Physical: All forms of mercury (Hg) (metal, vapor, inorganic, or organic) are converted to methyl mercury. Inorganic forms are converted by microbial action in the atmosphere to methyl mercury.
Other: No information available.

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a hazardous waste. US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in 40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally, waste generators must consult state and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and accurate classification.
RCRA P-Series: None listed.
RCRA U-Series:
CAS# 7439-97-6: waste number U151.

Section 14 - Transport Information

US DOT Canada TDG
Shipping Name: MERCURY MERCURY
Hazard Class: 8 8
UN Number: UN2809 UN2809
Packing Group: III III

Section 15 - Regulatory Information

US FEDERAL

TSCA
     CAS# 7439-97-6 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
Health & Safety Reporting List
     None of the chemicals are on the Health & Safety Reporting List.
Chemical Test Rules
     None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule.
Section 12b
     None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.
TSCA Significant New Use Rule
     None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.
CERCLA Hazardous Substances and corresponding RQs
     CAS# 7439-97-6: 1 lb final RQ; 0.454 kg final RQ
SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances
     None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.
SARA Codes
     CAS # 7439-97-6: immediate, delayed.
Section 313
     This material contains Mercury (CAS# 7439-97-6, 100%),which is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of SARA Title III and 40 CFR Part 373.
Clean Air Act:
     CAS# 7439-97-6 (listed as Mercury compounds) is listed as a hazardous      air pollutant (HAP).
     This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors.
     This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.
Clean Water Act:
     None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Hazardous Substances under the CWA.      CAS# 7439-97-6 is listed as a Priority Pollutant under the Clean      Water Act. CAS# 7439-97-6 is listed as a Toxic Pollutant under the Clean Water Act.
OSHA:
     None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous by OSHA.
STATE
     CAS# 7439-97-6 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts.

California Prop 65
WARNING: This product contains Mercury, a chemical known to the state of California to cause developmental reproductive toxicity.
California No Significant Risk Level: None of the chemicals in this product are listed.

European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols:
     T N
Risk Phrases:
     R 23 Toxic by inhalation.
     R 33 Danger of cumulative effects.
     R 50/53 Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term
     adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

Safety Phrases:
     S 1/2 Keep locked up and out of reach of children.
     S 45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
     immediately (show the label where possible).
     S 7 Keep container tightly closed.
     S 60 This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardou
     s waste.
     S 61 Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions
     /safety data sheets.

WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
     CAS# 7439-97-6: 3
Canada - DSL/NDSL
     CAS# 7439-97-6 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
Canada - WHMIS
     This product has a WHMIS classification of D2A, E.
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations and the MSDS contains all of the information required by those regulations.
Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List
     CAS# 7439-97-6 is listed on the Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List.

Section 16 - Additional Information

MSDS Creation Date: 6/15/1999
Revision #7 Date: 1/20/2005

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. In no event shall Fisher be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if Fisher has been advised of the possibility of such damages.