International Chemical Safety Cards
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MERCURIC CHLORIDE
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ICSC: 0979
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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE ODOURLESS CRYSTALS
OR POWDER.
PHYSICAL DANGERS:
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes
on heating
producing toxic vapours of mercury and chloride.
Reacts with light metals.
Incompatible with formates, sulfites, hypophosphites, phosphates, sulfides, albumin, gelatin, alkalies, alkaloid salts, ammonia, lime water, antimony and arsenic, bromide, borax, carbonate, iron, copper, lead, silver salts.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as Hg): ppm; 0.1 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1991-1992).
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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 on dispersion.
EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive.
The substance
is corrosive to
the eyes,
the skin, and
the respiratory tract.
Corrosive on ingestion.
Inhalation of its aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes).
The substance may cause effects on the kidneys.
Exposure far above OEL may result in death.
The effects may be delayed.
Medical observation is indicated.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.
The substance may have effects on the kidneys
, resulting in nephrotic syndrome.
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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
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Boiling point: 302°C
Melting point: 276°C
Relative density (water = 1): 5.44
Solubility in water: moderate (6.9 g/100ml at 20°C)
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Vapour pressure, kPa at 136.2°C: 0.133
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.101
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.1 (estimated)
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ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
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This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.
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.
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NOTES
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Solubility in water at 100°C: 48 g/100 ml.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G11b
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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ICSC: 0979
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MERCURIC CHLORIDE
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© IPCS, CEC, 1993
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