Mercurous Chloride

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Warning! Toxic. Light sensitive. Moisture sensitive. Harmful if swallowed. May cause kidney damage. May cause central nervous system effects. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Very toxic to aquatic organisms. Target Organs: Kidneys, central nervous system, reproductive system.

Potential health effects

Eye: Causes eye irritation. Contact may cause ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea. Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause kidney damage. May cause severe digestive tract irritation with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause central nervous system depression. Inorganic mercury compounds may cause central and peripheral nervous system effects. Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. May cause gastrointestinal effects including gum and mouth inflammation, jaw necrosis, and loosening of the teeth. May cause kidney damage. Acute exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapors may cause severe respiratory tract irritation. Chronic: May cause kidney injury. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Chronic exposure to mercury may cause permanent central nervous system damage, fatigue, weight loss, tremors, personality changes. May cause tremors, irritability, loss of memory and intellect. May also cause Pink disease characterized by skin, cardiovascular, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. Chronic exposure to mercury vapors may produce weakness, fatigue, anorexia, loss of weight and gastrointestinal disturbances which is collectively referred to as asthenic-vegetative syndrome or micromercurialism. Chronic exposure to mercury compounds may produce immunologic glomerular disease.