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MERCURIC CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0979

Mercury dichloride
Mercury (II) chloride
HgCl2
Molecular mass: 271.5
ICSC # 0979 		CAS # 7487-94-7
RTECS # OV9100000
UN # 1624
EC # 080-010-00-X
November 28, 2003 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Blisters. Skin burns.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Pain. Redness. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Metallic taste. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Sore throat. Vomiting. Shock or collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.)
Separated from food and feedstuffs , light metals . Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Severe marine pollutant.
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 28-34-48/24/25-50/53
S: 1/2-36/37/39-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0979 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

MERCURIC CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0979

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE CRYSTALS OR POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes due to heating producing toxic fumes of mercury and chlorine fumes . Reacts with light metals .

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as Hg) 0.025 mg/m3 as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued (ACGIH 2008).
MAK: (as Hg) 0.1 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: II(8);
sensitization of skin (Sh);
Carcinogen category: 3B; BAT issued;
(DFG 2008).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract and is corrosive to the eyes and the skin. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys , resulting in tissue lesions , kidney failure, collapse and death. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system , peripheral nervous system and kidneys , resulting in ataxia, sensory and memory disturbances, fatigue, muscle weakness and kidney impairment .

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 302°C
Melting point: 276°C
Density: 6.5
g/cm3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 7.4
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.1

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Do NOT take working clothes home.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-II
Card has been partially updated in November 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits,

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0979 MERCURIC CHLORIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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