Mercuric Chloride Solutions

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview Appearance: clear, colorless solution Danger! May be fatal if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. May cause eye and skin irritation and possible burns. May cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation. May cause kidney damage, allergic skin reaction, and central nervous system effects. May impair fertility and cause harm to the unborn child. Target Organs: kidneys, central nervous system, reproductive system.

Potential health effects

Eye: May cause severe eye irritation and possible burns. May cause ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea. Exposure to mercury or mercury compounds can cause discoloration on the front surface of the lens, which does not interfere with vision. Skin: May be fatal if absorbed through the skin. Causes severe skin irritation and possible burns. May cause allergic contact dermatitis. - 1 - Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal irritation and possible burns with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause muscle tremor and impaired motor function. May cause cardiac disturbances. Inhalation: May cause central nervous system effects including vertigo, anxiety, depression, muscle incoordination, and emotional instability. May cause gastrointestinal effects including gum and mouth inflammation, jaw necrosis, and loosening of the teeth. May cause burns to the respiratory tract. Acute exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapors may cause severe respiratory tract irritation. Chronic: Chronic exposure to mercury may cause permanent central nervous system damage, fatigue, weight loss, tremors, and personality changes. Prolonged ingestion may cause metallic taste, gingivitis, pyorrhea with loosening teeth, gastrointestinal tract disorders, kidney and liver disorders. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Chronic ingestion may cause accumulation of mercury in body tissues. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. May be rapidly transferred across the placenta and cause adverse fetal effects.