Chemical Properties
Mercury is a silvery, mobile, odorless liquid
Potential Exposure
Mercury is used as a catalyst, in dental
applications; and in pharmaceuticals; as a liquid cathode in
cells for the electrolytic production of caustic and chlorine.
It is used in electrical apparatus (lamps, rectifiers, and batteries) and in control instruments (switches, thermometers,
and barometers)
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If
this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin
rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart
action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and do induce vomiting.
Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Antidotes and Special Procedures for medical personnel:
The drug NAP has been used to treat mercury poisoning,
with mixed success
Shipping
UN2809 Mercury, Hazard class: 8; Labels:
8-Corrosive material, 6.1-Poisonous material
Incompatibilities
Heating mercury causes the formation of
toxic mercury oxide fumes. Reacts violently with alkali
metals; acetylene, azides, ammonia gas; chlorine, chlorine
dioxide; many acids; most metals; ground mixtures of
sodium carbide, and ethylene oxide. Contact with methyl
azide forms shock- and spark-sensitive explosives. Attacks
copper and many other metals, forming amalgams
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal
practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant
(≥100 kg/mo) must conform to EPA regulations governing
storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal.
Accumulate for purification and re-use if possible. Mercury
vapors may be adsorbed or treated with sulfide solutions
and then sent to mercury recovery operations
