ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
MERCURY (Hg)
SYNONYMS
Colloidal mercury, metallic mercury, quick silver inorganic
mercury.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Highly toxic.
Do not touch spilled material.
Avoid skin contact.
Avoid inhalation.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from oxidising agents.
CHARACTERISTICS
Silver white, heavy, mobile, liquid metal at room temperature.
Slight fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or a naked
flame.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Is an irritant to skin, eyes, respiratory tract and mucous
membranes. It is also a skin and pulmonary sensitiser and toxic
to the kidneys and central nervous system, sometimes with fatal
consequences. Acute exposure may cause eye irritation with
prolonged exposure causing visual disturbances. Mercury is
absorbed through the skin with localised reddening and
irritation. Sensitisation dermatitis may occur. Inhalation of
mercury vapour especially in high concentrations can cause
almost immediate dyspnoea, cough, fever, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, stomatitis, salivation and metallic taste. If the
patient is removed from the contamination the symptoms may
resolve or may progress to include necrotising bronchiolitis,
pneumonitis, pulmonary oedema and pneumothorax. Acidosis and
renal damage with renal failure may occur. Ingestion of metallic
mercury generally shows no effect.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothes and shoes immediately. Wash
the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts
of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). Seek medical advice.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). Seek medical advice.
Inhalation remove the patient to fresh air immediately. If
breathing has stopped apply artificial respiration. Administer
oxygen if necessary and keep warm and allow to rest. Seek
immediate medical attention.
Ingestion if the victim is conscious and not convulsive give
two to four glasses of water and induce vomiting by touching a
finger to the back of the throat. Place in a sitting position
with the head lower than the hips. Keep the patient warm and
rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Mercury is incompatible with:
Ammonia violent reaction.
Acetylinic compounds violent reaction.
Boron violent reaction.
Di iodiophosphide violent reaction.
Ethylene oxide violent reaction.
Methyl azide violent reaction.
Methylsilane violent reaction.
Other metals violent reaction.
Oxygen violent reaction.
Nitric acid violent reaction.
Tetracarbonylnickel - violent reaction
Nitromethane violent reaction.
Oxidising agents violent reaction.
Silver perchlorate violent reaction.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from strong oxidising
agents and incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood that will keep the level of exposure below the
recommended limits of exposure, ie. 0.1 mg/m3 OSHA,
ACGIH and TWA; 0.05 mg/m3 NIOSH. Above 1 mg/m3
a respirator is recommended. Exposure above 5 mg/m3 a
selfcontained breathing apparatus is recommended. Wear
protective clothing to avoid inhalation and skin contact. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles
and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
CAUTION:
The toxicity of mercury is such that the element and its
compounds should not be allowed to contaminate air or water.
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing
apparatus.
SPILLS AND METAL:
Collect all droplets and pools immediately using a suction pump
and an aspirator bottle, with a long capillary tube. Cover fine
droplets in non accessible cracks, with calcium polysulphide and
excess sulphur. Combine all contaminated mercury in a tightly
stoppered bottle. Hold it for purification or sale.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Compounds: dissolve all water soluble contaminated compounds.
Convert other contaminated compounds to the soluble nitrates.
Adjust the acidity and precipitate as mercuric sulphide. Wash
and dry the precipitate.
ENVIRONMENT:
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List