Common Name: Mercuric Cyanide CAS Number: 592-04-1 DOT Number: UN 1636 Date: August, 1987 ----------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------ 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 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 0 ----------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ 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. | First Page | Prev Page | Next Page | Back to Text |