Mercury

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Danger! Corrosive. This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in animals. May be absorbed through intact skin. May cause central nervous system effects. May cause liver and kidney damage. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal-fume fever. Possible sensitizer. Toxic if inhaled. Causes irritation and possible burns by all routes of exposure. Target Organs: Blood, kidneys, central nervous system, liver, brain.

Potential health effects

Exposure to mercury or mercury compounds can cause discoloration on the front surface of the lens, which does Eye: not interfere with vision. Causes eye irritation and possible burns. Contact with mercury or mercury compounds can cause ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which Skin: becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. Causes skin irritation and possible burns. May cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. Ingestion: May cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. May cause systemic effects. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms with metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain and Inhalation: increased white blood cell count. May cause central nervous system effects including vertigo, anxiety, depression, muscle incoordination, and emotional instability. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. May cause systemic effects. May cause respiratory sensitization. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Effects may be delayed. Chronic exposure to mercury may cause permanent central nervous system damage, fatigue, weight loss, tremors, Chronic: personality changes. Chronic ingestion may cause accumulation of mercury in body tissues. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause inflammation of the mouth and gums, excessive salivation, and loosening of the teeth.