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DIMETHYL MERCURY

ICSC: 1304

Mercury, dimethyl
(CH3)2Hg
Molecular mass: 230.7
ICSC # 1304 		CAS # 593-74-8
RTECS # OW3010000
UN # 2024
EC # 080-007-00-3
July 05, 2003 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat. Loss of movement co-ordination. Tremor. Confusion. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Wear protective gloves when inducing vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs , halogens and oxidants . Well closed.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Severe marine pollutant.
Note: 1 for preparations.
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 26/27/28-33-50/53
S: 1/2-13-28-36-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: I
ICSC: 1304 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

DIMETHYL MERCURY

ICSC: 1304

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID .

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic gases , including mercury oxides. Reacts with halogens and oxidants causing fire hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as Hg) 0.01 mg/m3, as TWA; 0.03 mg/m3, as STEL; (skin); (ACGIH 2003).
MAK: H, Sh;
Carcinogen category: 3B;
(DFG 2002).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in impaired functions . Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the central nervous system , resulting in impaired functions . This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 93-94°C
Melting point: -43°C
Density: 2.961
g/cm3
Solubility in water: none
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.5
Flash point: 5°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in seafood. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Do NOT take working clothes home.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT4-I

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1304 DIMETHYL MERCURY
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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