MERCURY

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENLY OMRYIMI: Mercury is a sihrer-white, heavy liquid which is odoriess. Mercury is hlghly toxic irritating, and causes sensitization and neurological symptoms The primary heaM hazard associated wlth emergency response to this pmduct is the potential for irritation of skln, eyes or other contaminated tissues. Mercury causes severe, adverse heaith effects alter chron- Ic exposure to low vapor levels; emergency response efforts must be directed to removal of ail traces of thls product Mercury Is not flammable, and is relafively stable lthough it can react with many metals to form amalgamsl. Emergency responders must wear the personal protective equipment suitable for the situation to which they are responding. SYMPTOMS OF m-O(POSURE BY ROUTE OF MPOSURE: HAZARDOUS MAlTRlAL INFORhlATION fYmM m e most slgniflcant routes of occupatlonai over-exposure are inhalation and contact with skin and eyes. The symp- HEALTH IBLUO 3 toms of over-exposure to Mercury are as follows: I W n O N : Long-term exposures to Mercury vapors pre- MhlhlABIm IRED1 0 sent a severe health hazard. When Inhaled, Mercury will be rapidly distributed throughout the body During this REACTMTY MUOW1 0 time, Mercury will cross the blood-brain barrier, and become oxidized m the Hgllll oxldatlon state. m e oxidized PROTECIIVE EQUIPMENT x species of Mercury cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and thus accumulates in the brain. Mercury in other organs is removed slowly tom the body via the kidneys m e average haif-time for clearance of Mercury for different SECnONB paw of the human body is as follows: lung, 1.7 days; head. 21 days; kIdney region, 64 days; chest 43 days; For a vaam ot appliraaons Imklng elemental Mercury whole body, 58 days Long-term Inhalation over-exposures can lead to the development of a wide varlety of symptoms Including the following: excessive salivation, gingMtis anorexia, chills fever, cardiac abnormalities, anemia, diges- We problems abdominal pains frequent urination, an Inability to urinate, diarrhea, peripheral neumpathy [numbness, weakness, or burning sensations In the hands or fed, tremors lespeciaiiy in the hands, fin- gers eyelids lips, cheeks, tongue, or legsl, aileration of tendon reflexes, slurred speech, visual distur- bances, and deafness Allergic reacUons 1i.e. breathing difMtyl may also occur In sensitlve indlvlduals. m e principal target organ associated with chmnic Mercury exposures via inhalation Is the central nervous system. Such exposures lead m the development of "Erethlsm", This syndrome consists of subtle or dra- matic changes in behavior and personality depresslon, fearfulness, restlessness, irritability, tlmidlty, and Indecision. These psychic and behavioral characteristics are often accompanied by insomnia, drowsiness, headache, fatigue. in advanced cases, memory loss, hallucinations, and mental deterloration 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, sensltivlty to light gener- alized edema, and a painful scaling of the skln of the hands and feet. Mher symptoms of chmnic over- exposure to Mercury can include loosening of the teeth, lnflammatlon of the mucous membranes a dark blue line appearing along ginglval margins, abnormal blushlng, excessive sweating, rashes. Reproductive effects, sexual disorders, and impotence may also develop in the event of Mercury over-exposure. Sho~t-ten over-exposures to hlgh concentrations of mercury vapors can lead to breathing dmcuw, COUghinQ, acute, chemical pneumonia, and pulmonary edema la potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the lungs]. Depending on the concentration of over-exposure, cardiac abnormalities damage to the kid- ney, llver or nerves and elfects 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 syn- drome may develop 4-12 hours alter exposure and begin with Me onset of thirst metallic taste in the mouth, and symptoms of Mercury poisoning as described above. Ail symptoms generally subside within 24-36 hours alter the over-exposure ends. COHIACI Wrill SKIN or Em: Mercury can be irritating to contaminated skln and eyes. Symptoms of skin expo- sure can include redness, dry skin, and pain. Prolonged contact may lead to ulceration of the skin. Allergic reac- tions 1i.e. rashes, weitsl may occur In sensitive individuals. Dermatitis [redness and inflammation of the skinl may occur alter 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. SKIN ABSORPllON: Skin absorption is a significant route of potential over-exposure to Mercury Currently, no quantitative estimates of the rate of penetration are avallable. Symptoms of such over-exposure would include redness and irritation of the contaminated area, as well as the development of symptoms described for "Inhalation". INGESllON: Ingestion is not anticipated to be a significant route of occupational over-exposure. ff 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 gas- nointestinal 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 fatai, due to efiects on gastrointestinal system and kidneys. INJECTION: InJection Is not anticipated to be a significant route of over-exposure for this product, n Mercury Is injected 1i.e. through abrasions and lacerations of the skinl, local redness and pain will occur Other symptoms of such exposure can include the development of embolisms (Mercury blocking a vein ar artery], malaise, chest paln, and difficulty in breathing. HEALTH EfFEClS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: An Explanation in Lay Terms. The most severe health effects asso- ciated 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 skln and eyes. Shon-term over-exposures to high concentra- tions of mercury vapors can lead to breathing dimculty, coughing, acute, and potentially fatai lung disorders. Depending on the concentration of inhalation over-exposure, hean problems, damage to the kidney, liver or nerves and effects on the brain may occur,

Long term hazards

over-exposure can lead to a wlde range of adverse health effects Anyane using Mercury must pay attention ta personality changes, weight loss, skln or gum discolorations, stomach pains, and other signs of Mercury over-exposure. Gradually developing syndromes I"Erethismn and "Acrodynial are indicaw of potential- ly severe health problems. Mercury can cause the development of allergic reactions 1i.e. dermatitis, rashes, breath- ing dimcultyl upon prolonged or repeated exposures. Refer to Sectlon 11 ~oxicology lnhrmatlonl for additional data.