Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

J.T. BAKER MERCURY 1000 UG/ML OR 10000 UG/ML

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Analytical reagent.

SYNONYMS

"mercury standard solution", "analytical reagent"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes and skin.
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Severely toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 5 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may produce severely toxic effects; systemic effects may result following absorption and these may be fatal.  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/eye contact with the liquid.  Mercury easily crosses the placenta and causes birth defects. Chronic exposure results in excess saliva production, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vague abdominal discomfort and mild diarrhea. The kidneys are rarely involved. Chronic mercury poisoning usually shows itself mainly as effects on the nervous system, especially the central nervous system. There may be tremors involving the hands and fingers, eyelids, cheeks, legs and tongue. Motor control may be impaired, leading to slurred or scanning speech and inco-ordinated walking. Disturbance with seeing or hearing may occur There may be behavior changes such as depression, despondency and fearfulness, often accompanied by sleep disturbance, headache and fatigue. Advanced cases show memory loss, hallucinations and deterioration in mental function. Other symptoms include a constant metallic taste, and various levels of gum inflammation, leading to periodontal disease and loosening of teeth. A dark blue line may occur along the gum margins. Uncommonly, a syndrome known as acrodynia ("pink disease") may occur, of which the major symptom is itchy scaling of the hands and feet.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.