MERCURY (METALLIC)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Appearance: Silver, liquid Warning! Causes skin irritation. May case allergic skin reaction. This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in animals. May be absorbed through the skin. Causes digestive tract irritation. May cause central nervous system effects. May cause severe eye irritation and possible injury. Causes severe respiratory tract irritation. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal-fume fever. Target Organs: Blood, Central nervous system

Potential health effects

Eye: Contact with eyes may cause severe irritation, and possible eye burns. Vapors may cause eye irritation. Skin: May cause skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. Chronic exposure to mercury may cause permanent central nervous damage, fatigue, weight loss, tremors, and personality changes. Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. 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 increased white blood cell count. May cause central nervous system effects including vertigo, anxiety, depression, muscle in-coordination, and emotional instability. 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. 1