MERCURY

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Mercury is a silver-white, odorless, heavy liquid. Mercury is highly toxic, irritating, and causes sensitization and neurological symptoms. The primary health hazard associated with overexposure to this product is the potential for irritation of skin, eyes, or other contaminated tissues. Mercury causes severe, adverse health effects after chronic exposure to low vapor levels; emergency response efforts must be directed to removal of all traces of this product. Mercury is not flammable, and is relatively stable (though it can react with many metals to form amalgams). Emergency responders must wear the personal protective equipment suitable for the situation to which they are responding. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant routes of occupational over-exposure are inhalation and HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM contact with skin and eyes. The symptoms of over-exposure to Mercury, via

Principle Routes of Exposure

are as follows INHALATION: Long-term exposures to Mercury vapors present a severe HEALTH (BLUE) 3

Health hazards

When inhaled, Mercury will be rapidly distributed throughout the body. During this time, Mercury will cross the blood-brain barrier, and become oxidized to the Hg(II) oxidation state. The oxidized species of Mercury cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and thus accumulates in the FLAMMABILITY (RED) 0 brain. Mercury in other organs is removed slowly from the body via the kidneys. The average half-time for clearance of Mercury for different parts of the human body is as follows lung 1.7 days; head 21 days; kidney region 64 days; chest 43 days; whole body 58 days REACTIVITY (YELLOW) 0 Long-term inhalation over-exposures can lead to the development of a wide variety of symptoms, including the following: excessive salivation, gingivitis, anorexia, chills, fever, cardiac abnormalities, anemia, digestive problems, abdominal pains, frequent urination, an inability to urinate, diarrhea, PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT X peripheral neuropathy (numbness, weakness, or burning sensations in the hands or feet), tremors (especially in the hands, fingers, eyelids, lips, EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY cheeks, tongue, or legs), alteration of tendon reflexes, slurred speech, visual disturbances, and deafness. Allergic reactions (i.e. breathing difficulty) may See also occur in sensitive individuals. The principal target organ associated with chronic Mercury exposures via inhalation is the central nervous system. Such exposures lead to the For a variety of applications involving elemental Mercury. development of “Erethism”. This syndrome consists of subtle or dramatic changes in behavior and personality: depression, fearfulness, restlessness, See Section 16 for Definition of Ratings irritability, timidity, and indecision. These psychic and behavioral characteristics are often accompanied by insomnia, drowsiness, headache, and fatigue. In advanced cases, memory loss, hallucinations, and mental deterioration may occur. Another, less common, syndrome associated with Mercury over-exposure is “Acrodynia”. Symptoms of this syndrome include a pink color to the extremities, apathy, fever, kidney problems, sensitivity to light, generalized edema, and a painful scaling of the skin of the hands and feet. Other symptoms of chronic over-exposure to Mercury can include loosening of the teeth, inflammation of the mucous membranes, a dark blue line appearing along gingival margins, abnormal blushing, excessive sweating, and rashes. Reproductive effects, sexual disorders, and impotence may also develop in the event of Mercury over-exposure. Short-term over-exposures to high concentrations of mercury vapors can lead to breathing difficulty, coughing, acute, chemical pneumonia, and pulmonary edema (a potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the lungs). Depending on the concentration of over-exposure, cardiac abnormalities, damage to the kidney, liver or nerves and effects on the brain may occur. If this product is heated, and exposure to Mercury fumes occurs, “Metal Fume Fever” may develop. This syndrome is a flu- like illness which occurs when metal oxides below 1.5 microns in size are inhaled. Symptoms of this syndrome may develop 4-12 hours after exposure and begin with the onset of thirst, metallic taste in the mouth, and symptoms of Mercury poisoning as described above. All symptoms generally subside within 24-36 hours after the over-exposure ends. CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Mercury can be irritating to contaminated skin and eyes. Symptoms of skin exposure can include redness, dry skin, and pain. Prolonged contact may lead to ulceration of the skin. Allergic reactions (i.e. rashes, welts) may occur in sensitive individuals. Dermatitis (redness and inflammation of the skin) may occur after repeated skin exposures. Symptoms of eye exposure can include redness, pain, and watery eyes. A symptom of Mercury exposure is discoloration of the lens of the eyes. (Continued) SKIN ABSORPTION: Skin absorption is a significant route of potential over-exposure to Mercury. Currently, no quantitative estimates of the rate of penetration are available. Symptoms of such over-exposure would include redness and irritation of the contaminated area, as well as the development of symptoms described for “Inhalation”. INGESTION: Ingestion is not anticipated to be a significant route of occupational over-exposure. If Mercury is swallowed, symptoms of such over-exposure can include metallic taste in mouth, nausea, vomiting, central nervous system effects, and damage to the kidneys. Metallic mercury is not usually absorbed sufficiently from the gastrointestinal tract to induce an acute, toxic response. Damage to the tissues of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and other tissues of the digestive system may occur. Ingestion may be fatal, due to effects on gastrointestinal system and kidneys. INJECTION: Injection is not anticipated to be a significant route of over-exposure for this product. If Mercury is injected (i.e. though abrasions and lacerations of the skin), local redness and pain will occur. Other symptoms of such exposure can include the development of embolisms (Mercury blocking a vein or artery), malaise, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE An Explanation in Lay Terms. The most severe health effects associated with Mercury exposure are related to long-term exposures to vapors. In the event of over-exposure, the following symptoms may be observed: ACUTE: Mercury can be irritating to contaminated skin and eyes. Short-term over-exposures to high concentrations of mercury vapors can lead to breathing difficulty, coughing, acute, and potentially fatal lung disorders. Depending on the concentration of inhalation over-exposure, heart problems, damage to the kidney, liver or nerves and effects on the brain may occur.

Long term hazards

over-exposure can lead to a wide range of adverse health effects. Anyone using Mercury must pay attention to personality changes, weight loss, skin or gum discolorations, stomach pains, and other signs of Mercury over- exposure. Gradually developing syndromes (“Erethism” and “Acrodynia”) are indicative of potentially severe health problems. Mercury can cause the development of allergic reactions (i.e. dermatitis, rashes, breathing difficulty) upon prolonged or repeated exposures. Refer to Section 11 (Toxicology Information) for additional data. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Skin, eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system, brain. CHRONIC Skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, brain, blood system, kidneys, and reproductive system. What should I do if a hazardous situation occurs?