MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Mercury Sulfide Formula: HgS
CAS #: 1344-48-5
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Material: OSHA PEL: ACGIH TLV: Percent: Sec.302 (EHS): Sec.304 RQ:
Mercury Sulfide: N/E N/E 0.0 -100.0 No Yes 1 Lb
1 mg/10 m3 .1 mg/m3
Mercury Compounds: OSHA-Ceiling
III PHYSICAL DATA
583.5 oC
Boiling Point: NE or NA Melting Point:
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): 8.10 Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): NA
Vapor Density (Air=1): NA Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Scarlet red powder, no odor. On exposure to light, particularly in the presence of water or alkali hydroxides,
mercury sulfide blackens in color.
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method used): N/A Autoignition Temperature: N/A
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Not applicable. Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing
to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: When heated to decomposition, mercury sulfide emits toxic fumes of hydrogen sulfide, oxides
of sulfur and mercury. Mixtures with silver oxide may ignite when ground. May have an explosive reaction with dichlorine oxide.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation? Yes Skin? Yes Ingestion? Yes
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.
Target Organs: May affect the skin, central nervous system, respiratory system, kidneys and eyes.
Carcinogenicity: NTP? No IARC Monographs? No OSHA Regulated? No
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):
Mercury is a general protoplasmic poison; after absorption it circulates in the blood and is stored in the liver, kidneys, spleen,
and bone. In industrial poisoning, the principal effect is upon the central nervous system, the mouth, and gums. The cardinal symp-
toms of industrial mercury poisoning are stomatitis, tremors, and psychic disturbances. In humans, it is readily absorbed by the
respiratory tract, intact skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. Occasional incidental swallowing of metallic mercury may be without
harm. Spilled and heated elemental mercury is particularly hazardous. A number of mercury compounds, in addition to the fulmi-
nate, can cause skin irritation and be absorbed through the skin. They are strong allergens and common air contaminants (Sax,
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).
Sulfides have variable toxicity. Sulfides of the heavy metals are generally insoluble and hence have little toxic action except
through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).
Inhalation: Acute: Poison by inhalation. May cause poisoning.
Chronic: May cause mercury poisoning.
Ingestion: Acute: Poison by ingestion. May cause mercury poisoning.
Chronic: May cause kidney damage and possibly death.
Skin: Acute: Highly toxic by skin absorption. May cause irritation.
Chronic: May cause dermatitis.
Eye: Acute: May cause irritation.
Chronic: May cause conjunctivitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Inhalation: Mercury poisoning may cause stomitis, tremors, excessive salivation, pain when chewing, gingivitis with loosening of
teeth, dark line on gums, psychic disturbances including loss of memory, insomnia, lack of confidence, irritability, vague fears of
depression.
Ingestion: Mercury poisoning may cause stomitis, tremors, excessive salivation, pain when chewing, gingivitis with loosening of the
teeth, darkline on gums, psychic disturbances including loss of memory, insomnia, lack of confidence, irritability, vague fears of
depression.
Skin: May cause redness, itching and inflammation.
Eye: May cause redness, itching, burning and watering.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.
SKIN: Remove any contaminated clothing; brush material off skin; wash with soap and water; seek immediate medical attention.
INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air; keep warm and quiet; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately. Never induce vomiting
or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, dichlorine oxide.
Conditions to Avoid: None
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fumes of hydrogen sulfide, mercury, sulfur and their oxides.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Other: No data
VIII SPILL AND LEAK PROCEDURES
Spill and Leak Procedures: Wear appropriate respirator and protective equipment. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.
Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.
Take care not to raise dust.
Waste Disposal Method: Consult State, Federal or Local EPA regulations for proper disposal.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust, mist, fume respirator.
Ventilation: Local Exhaust: To maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV.
Protective Gloves: Butyl and polycarbonate gloves.
Eye/Face Protection: Safety goggles
Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.
Other Precautions: Protect mercury sulfide from light.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Work/Hygienic/Maintenance Practices: Implement engineering and work practices controls to reduce and maintain concentration
of exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in the work area. Wash
thoroughly before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.
Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various
governmental regulations. In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act
(TSCA), these materials should only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, a 鈥渢echnically qualified individual鈥?, as defined
in 40 CFR 710.2(aa).
Prepared by: S. Dierks
Dated: August 1994
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