Common Name: Mercuric Cyanide
CAS Number: 592-04-1
DOT Number: UN 1636
Date: August, 1987
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Mercuric Cyanide can affect you when breathed and by passing
through skin.
* Overexposures can cause kidney damage.
* Mercury poisoning can cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums,
memory loss, increased saliva, metallic taste, personality
changes and brain damage.
* Eye contact may cause burns.
* Skin contact can cause irritation, skin allergy, or a gray
skin color.
* Heating or use near acid release toxic Mercury and Cyanide
vapors.
* Mercury can build up in the body.
* Health effects have been reported below NIOSH exposure levels.
REFER TO THE FACT SHEET ON CYANIDE.
IDENTIFICATION
Mercuric Cyanide is a white or colorless crystalline solid. It is
used in medicine, germicidal soaps, photography and in making
Cyanogen gas.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Mercuric Cyanide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it
is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH, DOT and NFPA.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air
samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your
employer. You have a legal right to this information under
OSHA 1910.20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work-related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
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WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
0.1 mg/m3 for Mercury and inorganic compounds (measured
as Mercury), not to be exceeded at any time.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3
averaged over an 8-hour workshift for Mercury, inorganic
and measured as Mercury.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 for
inorganic compounds and 0.05 mg/m3 of Mercury vapor
averaged over an 8-hour workshift and measured as
Mercury.
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limits listed above.
ADDITIONAL WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5
mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work-shift.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 mg/m3, which
should not be exceeded during any 10 minute work period.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 mg/m3
averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Mercuric Cyanide
and at the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Mercuric Cyanide to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Mercuric Cyanide:
* Mercuric Cyanide can affect you when breathed in and by
passing through your skin.
* Direct contact causes eye irritation and possible damage and
may irritate skin.
* Heating or contact with acid or acid mist causes release of
toxic Mercury and Cyanide vapors and lung effects of
bronchitis with cough and phlegm and/or lung tissue
irritation. Overexposure to Cyanide can cause sudden death.
* Breathing Mercuric Cyanide irritates the throat and air
passages.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Mercuric Cyanide and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Mercuric Cyanide has not been
tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals.
Reproductive Hazard
* Mercuric Cyanide has been not tested for its ability to cause
reproductive damage, but it should be HANDLED WITH CAUTION
since some related Mercury compounds damage the developing
fetus and decrease fertility in males and females.
* Organic Mercury substances (organic substances are those which
contain carbon) have been identified as human teratogens.
While inorganic Mercury substances (those without carbon) such
as Mercuric Cyanide have not been shown to be human
teratogens, they still should be handled with caution as they
may cause reproductive problems in males and females.
Other Long-Term Effects
* High or repeated exposure can cause kidney damage or Mercury
poisoning. Mercury poisoning causes sore gums, "shakes"
(often with shaky handwriting), irritability and increased
saliva. Other changes may include memory loss, extreme
shyness, weakness, poor appetite and metallic taste. Serious
personality changes and brain damage can occur, especially if
exposure continues.
* Repeated skin contact may make the skin turn gray.
* Skin allergy may also occur. If this happens, even small
future exposures can cause rash.
* Mercury can accumulate in the body with repeated exposure. It
can take months or years for the body to get rid of excess
Mercury.
* Repeated exposure can cause a brown staining in eyes and may
affect the ability to see to the side (peripheral vision).
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Before first exposure and every 6 to 12 months after, a complete
medical history and exam is strongly recommended, with:
* Exam of the nervous system, including handwriting.
* Routine urine test (UA).
* Urine test for Mercury (should be less than 0.02 mg/liter).
* Eye exam.
After suspected illness or over exposure, repeat the tests above
AND get a blood test for Mercury.
* Consider nerve conduction tests, urinary enzymes and neuro-
behavioral testing.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
Mixed Exposures
Creams to whiten or bleach skin may contain Mercury; if so, their
use increases risk.
Conditions Made Worse By Exposure
People who are allergic to Mercury may also react to Mercurochrome
or Merthiolate, which also contain Mercury.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for
highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following controls are recommended:
* Vigorous, periodic cleaning of all work surfaces.
* Where possible, automatically transfer Mercuric Cyanide from
drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document:
Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Mercury #73-11024 and
Hydrogen Cyanide and Cyanide Salts #77-108.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Mercuric
Cyanide should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Mercuric
Cyanide.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Mercuric Cyanide, immediately wash or
shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift,
wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Mercuric
Cyanide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Mercuric Cyanide is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
* For clean-up use a specialized charcoal-filtered vacuum or
suction pump to avoid generating Mercury vapor. Care should
be taken not to disturb spilled material.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Mercuric Cyanide. Wear protective
gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers
can provide recommendations on the most protective
glove/clothing material for your operation.
* Non-absorbent materials are recommended.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day and put on before work.
Eye Protection
* Wear dust-proof goggles and face shield when working with
powders or dust, unless full facepiece respiratory protection
is worn.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.05 mg/m3 as
Mercury, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator
with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode
or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous
flow mode, or use a MSHA/ NIOSH approved self-contained
breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in
pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.
Common Name: Mercuric Cyanide
DOT Number: UN 1636
DOT Emergency Guide code:
CAS Number: 592-04-1
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY 0
REACTIVITY 0
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MAY BURN
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
-----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Mercuric Cyanide may burn, but does not readily ignite.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Cyanide gas
and Oxides of Nitrogen.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Mercuric Cyanide is spilled, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or until clean-up is complete.
* Ventilate area of spill.
* Spills should be collected with special Mercury vapor
suppressants or special vacuums. Kits specific for clean-up
of Mercury spills are available.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Mercuric Cyanide
as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific
recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Mercuric Cyanide you should be trained
on its proper handling and storage.
* Mercuric Cyanide must be stored to avoid contact with
FLUORINE, MAGNESIUM and SODIUM NITRITE since violent reactions
occur.
* Mercuric Cyanide should not contact acid or heat because it
will release flammable Hydrogen Cyanide gas.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from LIGHT.
* Protect containers from physical damage.
FIRST AID
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of water.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility if signs of illness
are present.
Antidotes and Special Procedures
* The drug NAP (n-Acetyl Penicillamine) has been used to treat
Mercury poisoning with limited success.
CHEMICAL NAME
Mercury Cyanide
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Elemental mercury is a heavy and relatively inert liquid which is
oxidized to inorganic mercury (II) under natural conditions.
Mercury (II) may combine with an organic fraction to from
methylmercury. Both mercury (II) and methylmercury are of
environmental concern. Mercury (II) may enter the environment in
industrial or municipal waste treatment discharges, from previously
contaminated sediments, and from the weathering of natural rocks.
Bacteria may then convert it into methylmercury. The concentration
of mercury (II) in bodies of water may be elevated with acid rain
due to the scouring of mercury from the air and increased
partitioning from the sediment into the water.
ACUTE (SHORT TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Mercury(II) and methylmercury has high acute toxicity to aquatic
life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
short term effects of mercury (II) or methylmercury to plants,
birds, or land animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a
toxic chemical.
Mercury (II) and methylmercury have high chronic toxicity to
aquatic life. Eating fish contaminated with mercury residues has
caused secondary poisoning in humans: birds or land animals
similarly exposed to mercury and its compounds could also be
subject to such effects. Insufficient data are available to
evaluate or predict the long-term effects of mercury and its
compounds to plants.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Mercury is highly persistent in water, with a half-life greater
than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time
it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
The concentration of mercury(II) and methylmercury found in fish
tissues is expected to be considerably higher than the average
concentration of mercury(II) or methylmercury in the water from
which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL, Duluth, U.S.EPA,
Phytotox.
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