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Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS)

Mercury

RTECS #

OV4550000

CAS #

7439-97-6; 8030-64-6; 51887-47-9; 92355-34-5; 92786-62-4; 123720-03-6

Updated

September 201

Molecular Weight

200.59

Molecular Formula

Hg

Synonyms

Colloidal mercury
Hydrargyrum
KWIK (Dutch)
Liquid silver
Mercure (French)
Mercurio (Italian)
Mercury (ACGIH:OSHA)
Mercury fume
Metallic mercury
NCI-C60399
Quecksilber (German)
Quick silver
RCRA waste number U151
RTEC (Polish)

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
skin /woman 0.5%/1D open irritation testCODEDG 60,61,2009

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysisunreported route/man150 µg/m3AEHLAU 34,461,1979
DNA Damageinhalation/mouse2.71 µg/L/1HTOXID9 72(Supp 1),360,2003

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat 890 ng/m3/24H (16W male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)GISAAA 45(3),72,1980
inhalation/rat 7440 ng/m3/24H (16W male)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)GISAAA 45(3),72,1980
inhalation/rat 1 mg/m3/24H (1-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)TJADAB 35,59A,1987
inhalation/rat 300 µg/m3/4H (7-21D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Central nervous systemBRREAP 778,222,1997
inhalation/mouse 146 µg/m3/2H (9W male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)

Reproductive: Other effects on male		WDZAEK 6,142,1992
inhalation/mouse 0.5 mg/m3 (1-18D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: BehavioralTOXID9 44,124,2005
inhalation/mouse 0.5 mg/m3 (1-18D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Behavioral

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Delayed effects		TOLED5 155,361,2005
inhalation/rat 300 µg/m3 (6-19D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Behavioral

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Delayed effects		TOXID9 1,114,2001
inhalation/mouse 4.9 mg/m3 (15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Extra embryonic structures (e.g., placenta, umbilical cord)TOXID9 60,357,2001
inhalation/rat 0.00002 gm/m3 (1D male)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Live birth index (Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured after birth)TPKVAL 9,71,1967
inhalation/rat 0.017 gm/m3 (1D male)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Other postnatal measures or effects

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Delayed effects		TPKVAL 9,71,1967

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
intraperitoneal/rat lowest published toxic dose: 400 mg/kg/14D- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Tumorigenic: Tumors at site of application		ZEKBAI 61,511,1957

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/Dog Lowest published lethal concentration: 15 mg/m3/8HVCVN1* -,175,1988
inhalation/man lowest published toxic concentration: 5 mg/m3/3HBehavioral: Tremor

Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature increase		VCVN1* -,176,1988
inhalation/man lowest published toxic concentration: 44300 µg/m3/8HBehavioral: Muscle weakness

Liver: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature increase		JJOMDZ 20,532,1978
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 2.71 mg/m3/1HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Immunological Including Allergic: Decrease in cellular immune response

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation		TOXID9 72(Suppl 1),360,2003
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 5.5 mg/m3/3HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changesTXAPA9 197,307,2004
inhalation/rabbit Lowest published lethal concentration: 29 mg/m3/30HAMIHBC 7,19,1953
inhalation/rabbit Lowest published lethal concentration: 30 mg/m3HBPTO* 2,1369,2001
inhalation/rat Lowest published lethal concentration: 30 mg/m3HBPTO* 2,1369,2001
inhalation/woman lowest published toxic concentration: 54180 mg/kgBehavioral: Change in psychophysiological testsJTCTDW 44,333,2006
inhalation/woman lowest published toxic concentration: 150 µg/m3/46DBehavioral: Wakefulness

Behavioral: Anorexia (human)

Gastrointestinal: Hypermotility, diarrhea		AEHLAU 33,186,1978
intravenous/man lowest published toxic dose: 571 µL/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Paresthesia

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea

Skin and Appendages: Other: Sweating		SMJOAV 90,1033,1997
intravenous/man lowest published toxic dose: 0.023 mL/kgCardiac: Pulse rate increased without fall in BP

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature increase		JTCTDW 44,395,2006
multiple/man lowest published toxic dose: 85700 µL/kgCardiac: Pulse rate decreased with fall in BP

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Renal function tests depressed		JTCTDW 39,733,2001
multiple/man lowest published toxic dose: 0.086 mL/kgCardiac: Change in rate

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Pulmonary emboli

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes		JTCTDW 39,733,2001
multiple/man lowest published toxic dose: 86 µL/kgCardiac: Pulse rate increased without fall in BP

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Pulmonary emboli

Skin: After systemic exposure: Dermatitis, other		JTCTDW 38,254,2000
oral/human lowest published lethal dose: 0.043 mL/kgGastrointestinal: Other changesJTCTDW 46,1,2008
oral/man lowest published toxic dose: 43 mg/kgBehavioral: Tremor

Liver: Jaundice, other or unclassified

Liver: Other changes		JTCTDW 31,487,1993
skin/man lowest published toxic dose: 129 mg/kg/5H-continuousEar: Tinnitus

Behavioral: Headache

Skin: After systemic exposure: Dermatitis, allergic		DERAAC 172,48,1986
subcutaneous/man lowest published toxic dose: 714 µL/kgSkin: After systemic exposure: Dermatitis, otherJTCTDW 38,441,2000
subcutaneous/man lowest published toxic dose: 254 mg/kgSkin: After systemic exposure: Dermatitis, otherCTOXAO 2,243,1969
subcutaneous/woman lowest published toxic dose: 120 mg/kgMusculoskeletal: Other changes

Skin: After systemic exposure: Dermatitis, other		HETOEA 22,345,2003
Tank with water/Daphnia lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 5.2 µg/L/48HTIVIEQ 31,125,1995

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/child lowest published toxic concentration: 0.14 mg/m3/12W- continuousBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression		JTCTDW 46,1,2008
inhalation/Dog lowest published toxic concentration: 12.5 mg/m3/8H/6D- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldVCVN1* -,175,1988
inhalation/Dog lowest published toxic concentration: 0.005 mg/m3/60D- intermittentBehavioral: Muscle weaknessVCVN1* -,176,1988
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3/2H/3D- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldVCVN1* -,175,1988
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 3.5 mg/m3/4D- continuousRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldVCVN1* -,175,1988
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 0.2 mg/m3/26W- intermittentBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Irritability

Cardiac: Pulse rate increased without fall in BP		VCVN1* -,177,1988
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 0.035 mg/m3/3Y- intermittentBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Irritability

Cardiac: Pulse rate increased without fall in BP		VCVN1* -,178,1988
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 4.1 mg/m3/11W- intermittentBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other proteins		ARTODN 78,489,2004
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 0.055 mg/m3/29W- continuousBehavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay)

Behavioral: Alteration of classical conditioning		TOLED5 161,210,2006
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.36 mg/m3/60D- continuousBrain and Coverings: Demyelination

Brain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Behavioral: Alteration of classical conditioning		TOVEFN -,21,2010
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.33 mg/m3/4H/10D- intermittentBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Liver: Fatty liver degeneration

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Dehydrogenases		TOVEFN -,27,2009
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 4 mg/m3/10D- intermittentKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changesTOXID9 60,356,2001
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.001 mg/m3/26W- intermittentBiochemical: Neurotransmitters or modulators (putative): Catecholamine levels in CNS

Biochemical: Neurotransmitters or modulators (putative): Dopamine at other sites		TOVEFN (4),27,1994
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1 mg/m3/11D- intermittentBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changesJJATDK 22,167,2002
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 2 mg/m3/12D- intermittentKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other enzymes

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other		JJATDK 22,167,2002
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 4 mg/m3/2H/11D- intermittentBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other enzymes		TOXID9 42,193,1998
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1 mg/m3/24H/5W- continuousKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: ProteinuriaTXCYAC 79,119,1993
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 8 µg/m3/6.5H/41W- intermittentBehavioral: Alteration of classical conditioningGISAAA 27(1),7,1962
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 17 mg/m3/2H/30D- continuousBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Behavioral: Alteration of classical conditioning

Behavioral: Alteration of operant conditioning		TXAPA9 12,15,1968
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 17 mg/m3/30D- intermittentBehavioral: Change in psychophysiological testsHBPTO* 2,1370,2001
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 8.3 mg/m3/5D- intermittentBiochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other proteinsARTODN 77,12,2003
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1 mg/m3/2H/11D- intermittentBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Biochemical: Effect on specific coenzyme: Disturbed regulation		JAPTO* 22,167,2002
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 2 mg/m3/2H/11D- intermittentBiochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other enzymes

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other		JAPTO* 22,167,2002
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 3.6 mg/kg/18D- continuousImmunological Including Allergic: Increased immune response

Immunological Including Allergic: Autoimmune (multiple organ involvement)		EVHPAZ 110,877,2002
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 7 mg/kg/10W- continuousImmunological Including Allergic: Increased immune response

Immunological Including Allergic: Autoimmune (multiple organ involvement)		EVHPAZ 110,877,2002
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 840 µg/kg/14D- continuousBehavioral: Food intake (animal)

Behavioral: Fluid intake		TOXID9 72,14,2003
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 105 mg/kg/14D- continuousKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in kidney weight

Endocrine: Changes in spleen weight

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain		TOXID9 72,14,2003
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 4200 µg/kg/14D- continuousBlood: Changes in spleenTOXID9 72,14,2003
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 21 mg/kg/14D- continuousEndocrine: Other changesTOXID9 72,14,2003

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 0.025 mg/m3 (skin)DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 58,239,1993
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 58,239,1993
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Group 3IMEMDT 58,239,1993
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWAJOGAH 126,390,1976
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJTEHD6 2,491,1977
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTRBMAV 33,85,1975
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWPHJOAV 213,159,1974
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJDSCAE 58,1767,1975
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCPEDAM 13,783,1974
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJAADDB 49,1109,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWQURBAW 7,75,1974
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWAEMBAP 48,463,1974
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJAVMA4 164,277,1974
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCRTXB2 2,365,1973
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWAEMBAP 40,239,1973
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCTOXAO 5,151,1972
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWBIOGAL 41(7),208,1975
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWADTEAS 5,51,1972
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRREVAH 42,103,1972
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFOREAE 7,313,1942
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNISIA9 27,942,1974
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMIBUBI 9,321,1975
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWSTEVA8 2,341,1974
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENVRAL 13,36,1977
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW85CVA2 5,63,1970
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJOCMA7 2,337,1960
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 140-141,161,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWPEXTAR 12,102,1969
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWPDTNBH 6,204,1977
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW49DXAV -,57,1983
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 134,3,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 134,17,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWARTODN 78,207,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNETOX* 26,521,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNETOX* 26,531,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNETOX* 26,691,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNRTXDN 27,429,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNETEEC 28,39,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCLNUT* 25,369,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJJATDK 26,191,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,36,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCRTXB2 36,609,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOPADD 32(Suppl. 2),71,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJTEHD6 7,1,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHBTME* ,675,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHTOPA* 1,701,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,515,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 681,93,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 46,813,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 674,3,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 674,36,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 674,73,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 47,1009,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNEUCL* 23,321,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNEUCL* 23,485,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTXAPA9 243,167,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 705,107,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWPHMREP 60,212,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWPHMREP 60,212,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,265,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,617,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,629,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,689,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,711,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,727,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,747,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,753,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 705,130,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNBREV* 14,169,1990
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUTAEX 26,205,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWREPTED 35,165,2013

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-ARAB Republic of Egypttime-weighted average 0.05 mg/m3, JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 0.003 ppm (0.025 mg/m3) (vapour), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 0.005 ppm (0.05 mg/m3);KZW 0.05 ppm (0.5 mg/m3), 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 0.025 mg/m3, Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 0.025 mg(Hg)/m3 (vapor), skin, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 0.02 mg/m3, skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 0.05 mg/m3, Skin (vapor), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 0.02 mg/m3, skin, sen, 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 0.08 mg(Hg)/m3, short term exposure limit 0.32 mg(Hg)/m3, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 0.025 mg/m3, skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPANOccupational Exposure Limit 0.025 mg/m3 (vapor), MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3, skin, 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 0.05 mg/m3, 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 0.025 mg/m3, skin, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 0.05 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average ppm (0,025 mg/m3); short term exposure limit ppm ( mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLANDMAC(time-weighted average) vapors 0.025 mg/m3, MAC(short term exposure limit) vapors 0.2 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAtime-weighted average 0.005 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 0.01 mg/m3, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 0.03 mg/m3, Skin, JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 0.005 ppm (0.05 mg/m3), KZG-week 0.04 ppm (0.4 mg/m3), sen, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 0.05 mg/m3, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3, Skin, JAN1993
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 0.1 mg(Hg)/m3 , vapor (skin)CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)8H time-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3 (skin)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)ceiling concentration 0.1 mg/m3CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)ceiling concentration 0.1 mg/m3,vapor (skin)CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO MERCURY, ARYL AND INORGANIC-airceiling concentration 0.1 mg/m3 (Sk)NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO MERCURY, vapor (as Hg)-air10H time-weighted average 0.05 mg/m3 (Sk)NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 44870; Number of Industries 42; Total Number of Facilities 2937; Number of Occupations 67; Total Number of Employees Exposed 71932; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 23826
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 44870; Number of Industries 32; Total Number of Facilities 2072; Number of Occupations 36; Total Number of Employees Exposed 15002

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
ATSDR TOXICOLOGY PROFILE (NTIS** PB/99/142416)
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Mercury, 6009
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1996: Mercury, 6009
On EPA IRIS database
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #ID145

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