Thoreson-McCosh Inc
EDITION 05/07/10
33
IB201001.doc
Contact Rating: 3 - Severe (Life)
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Blue (Health)
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Potential Health Effects
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Inhalation:
Mercury vapor is highly toxic via this route. Causes severe respiratory tract damage.
Symptoms include sore throat, coughing, pain, tightness in chest, breathing difficulties,
shortness of breath, headache, muscle weakness, anorexia, gastrointestinal
disturbance, ringing in the ear, liver changes, fever, bronchitis and pneumonitis. Can be
absorbed through inhalation with symptoms similar to ingestion.
Ingestion:
May cause burning of the mouth and pharynx, abdominal pain, vomiting, corrosive
ulceration, bloody diarrhea. May be followed by a rapid and weak pulse, shallow
breathing, paleness, exhaustion, tremors and collapse. Delayed death may occur from
renal failure. Gastrointenstinal uptake of mercury is less than 5% but its ability to
penetrate tissues presents some hazard. Initial symptoms may be thirst, possible
abdominal discomfort.
Skin Contact:
Causes irritaton and burns to skin. Symptoms include redness and pain. May cause
skin allergy and sensitization. Can be absorbed through the skin with symptoms to
parallel ingestion.
Eye Contact:
Causes irritation and burns to eyes. Symptoms include redness, pain, blurred vision;
may cause serious and permanent eye damage.
Chronic Exposure:
Chronic exposure through any route can produce central nervous system damage. May
cause muscle tremors, personality and behavior changes, memory loss, metallic taste,
loosening of the teeth, digestive disorders, skin rashes, brain damage and kidney
damage. Can cause skin allergies and accumulate in the body. Repeated skin contact
can cause the skin to turn gray in color. A suspected reproductive hazard; may damage
the developing fetus and decrease fertility in males and females.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with nervous disorders, or impaired kidney or respiratory function, or a history
of allergies or a known sensitization to mercury may be more susceptible to the effects
of the substance.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult,
give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.
Ingestion:
