ICSC 0981 - MERCURIC OXIDE

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MERCURIC OXIDE	ICSC: 0981 (April 2014)
Mercury (II) oxide

CAS #: 21908-53-2

UN #: 1641

EC Number: 244-654-7

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO contact with reducing agents.	In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

STRICT HYGIENE!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat.	Avoid inhalation of dust. Use local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .
Eyes	Redness.	Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.	According to UN GHS Criteria DANGER Fatal if swallowed Toxic in contact with skin May cause damage to kidneys May cause damage to nervous system and kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Separated from food and feedstuffs, reducing agents, chlorine and reactive substances. See Chemical Dangers. Keep in the dark. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Well closed.
PACKAGING
Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Severe marine pollutant.

MERCURIC OXIDE

ICSC: 0981

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance YELLOW, ORANGE-YELLOW OR RED HEAVY CRYSTALLINE POWDER. Physical dangers Chemical dangers Decomposes above 500°C . This produces highly toxic fumes including mercury and oxygen. This increases fire hazard. The substance is a strong oxidant. Reacts violently with reducing agents. Mixtures with metals and elements such as sulfur and phosphorus are shock-sensitive.	Formula: HgO Molecular mass: 216.6 Decomposes at 500°C Density: 11.1 g/cm³ Solubility in water, mg/l at 20°C: 50 (very poor)

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
YELLOW, ORANGE-YELLOW OR RED HEAVY CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

Physical dangers

Chemical dangers
Decomposes above 500°C . This produces highly toxic fumes including mercury and oxygen. This increases fire hazard. The substance is a strong oxidant. Reacts violently with reducing agents. Mixtures with metals and elements such as sulfur and phosphorus are shock-sensitive.

Formula: HgO
Molecular mass: 216.6
Decomposes at 500°C
Density: 11.1 g/cm³
Solubility in water, mg/l at 20°C: 50 (very poor)

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. Medical observation is indicated.	Inhalation risk A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure The substance may have effects on the kidneys, central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This may result in ataxia, sensory and memory disturbances, tremors, muscle weakness and kidney impairment.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. Medical observation is indicated.

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the kidneys, central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This may result in ataxia, sensory and memory disturbances, tremors, muscle weakness and kidney impairment.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: (as Hg): 0.025 mg/m³, as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued. EU-OEL: (as Hg): 0,02 mg/m³ as TWA. MAK: (as Hg, inhalable fraction): 0.02 mg/m³; peak limitation category: II(8); skin absorption (H); sensitization of skin (SH); carcinogen category: 3; pregnancy risk group: D

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Do NOT take working clothes home. Red and Yellow mercuric oxide are common names. Mercury is a common ingredient found in some skin lightening soaps and creams. Long-term use of such products may cause kidney damage, skin rashes, scarring, as well as anxiety, depression or psychosis and peripheral neuropathy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: T+, N; R: 26/27/28-33-50/53; S: (1/2)-13-28-45-60-61; Note: A, 1

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