International Chemical Safety Cards

MERCURIC OXIDE

ICSC: 0981

Mercury (II) oxide
HgO
Molecular mass: 216.6

ICSC #    0981
CAS #     21908-53-2
RTECS # OW8750000
UN #        1641
EC #         080-002-00-6
March 13, 2001 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	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: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Cough.	Avoid inhalation of fine dust and mist. Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness.	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 take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles.)

Separated from food and feedstuffs , reducing agents, chlorine and other reactive substances. See Chemical Dangers. Keep in the dark.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Severe marine pollutant.
Note: A
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 26/27/28-33-50/53
S: 1/2-13-28-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0981

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

MERCURIC OXIDE

ICSC: 0981

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
YELLOW OR, ORANGE - YELLOW OR, RED , HEAVY CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on exposure to light, on heating above 500°C producing highly toxic fumes including mercury and oxygen , which increases fire hazard. Reacts violently with reducing agents, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, magnesium (when heated), disulfur dichloride and hydrogen trisulfide. Shock-sensitive compounds are formed with metals and elements such as sulfur and phosphorus.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as Hg): 0.025 mg/m³ A4 (skin) (ACGIH 2000).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the kidneys , resulting in kidney impairment .

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): 500°C
Density: 11.1
g/cm3

Solubility in water:
none

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Do NOT take working clothes home. Red and Yellow mercuric oxide are common names.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G64b

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0981	MERCURIC OXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.