Mercury

1Identification

Name

Mercury

IUPAC name

mercury

CAS number

7439-97-6

EC number

231-106-7

Molecular formula

Hg

Molecular weight

200.59 g/mol

InChIKey

QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

[Hg]

PubChem CID

23931

Synonyms

MERCURY, Quicksilver, Hydrargyrum, Liquid silver, Metallic mercury, Quecksilber, Mercure, Mercurio, Colloidal mercury, Kwik, Mercurius vivus, Mercury metal, Mercury, elemental, Hg

Recommended uses

• MINING, SMELTING, OR METALLURGY: Cinnabar ore mining and crushing operations; gold extraction (cyanide leaching or amalgamation processes);\\ MANUFACTURING: Thermometers, manometers & barometers; dental amalgam; polyurethane catalyst; switches & rectifiers; dry cell batteries; paints;\\ USING OR DISPOSING: Open mercury cells in chloralkali plant for maintenance; use mercury amalgams in dental office; In gold extraction, mercury exposure occurs during the amalgamation stage and especially during the release of gold by heating. [Nordberg, 834]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Abrasive Blasting [Category: Clean] Battery Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Mining [Category: Industry] Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Welding Over Coatings [Category: Weld] Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting [Category: Hobbies] Ingesting herbal remedies [Category: Food & Drugs]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Laboratory chemicals Processing aids not otherwise specified
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Processing aids not otherwise specified
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Inorganic substances · Food Contaminant -> METALS -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Mercurycombines with other elements, such as chlorine, sulfur, or oxygen, to form inorganic mercury compounds or "salts", which are usually white powders or crystals. Mercury also combines with carbon to make organic mercury compounds. The most common one, methylmercury, is produced mainly by microscopic organisms in the water and soil. More mercury in the environment can increase the amounts of methylmercury that these small organisms make.Metallic Mercuryis a dense liquid that vaporizes easily at room temperature. Metallic mercury is not easily absorbed into unbroken skin. However, it vaporizes, even at room temperature. The higher the temperature, the more vapors are released.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Mercury and Mercury Compounds can cause developmental toxicity according to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Mercury appears as an odorless, silvery metallic liquid. Insoluble in water. Toxic by ingestion, absorption and inhalation of the fumes. Corrosive to aluminum. Used as a catalyst in instruments, boilers, mirror coatings.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS06, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• No immediate symptoms. As poisoning becomes established, slight muscular tremor, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea are observed. Psychic, kidney, and cardiovascular disturbances may occur. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects. · Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Behavior in Fire: Not flammable (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. · Runoff may pollute waterways.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Mercurycombines with other elements, such as chlorine, sulfur, or oxygen, to form inorganic mercury compounds or "salts", which are usually white powders or crystals. Mercury also combines with carbon to make organic mercury compounds. The most common one, methylmercury, is produced mainly by microscopic organisms in the water and soil. More mercury in the environment can increase the amounts of methylmercury that these small organisms make.Metallic Mercuryis a dense liquid that vaporizes easily at room temperature. Metallic mercury is not easily absorbed into unbroken skin. However, it vaporizes, even at room temperature. The higher the temperature, the more vapors are released.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Elemental liquid mercury is poorly absorbed from the GI tract, and it is considered nontoxic by ingestion in patients with normal GI anatomy and motility. Elemental mercury vapor is toxic predominantly to the lung and central nervous system. Pneumonitis can result from exposure to high concentrations of heated mercury vapor in a confined space. Otherwise, inhalation of mercury vapor is toxic over a period of months or years when air levels exceed 0.05-0.2 mg/m3. The main adverse effects after chronic exposure to mercury vapor are neuropsychiatric and include tremor, memory loss, insomnia, anorexia, irritability, and other mood changes.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Mercury compounds [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg): Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: SOAP WASH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Fever. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Abdominal pain. Headache. Weakness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• irritation eyes, skin; cough, chest pain, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), bronchitis, pneumonitis; tremor, insomnia, irritability, indecision, headache, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); stomatitis, salivation; gastrointestinal disturbance, anorexia, weight loss; proteinuria
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

5Fire-fighting measures

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 5 of the supplier's SDS.

Hazardous combustion products

• DANGEROUS WHEN HEATED, IT EMITS HIGHLY TOXIC FUMES.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 172 [Gallium and Mercury]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: When any large container is involved in a fire, consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). Fire · When any large container is involved in a fire, consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit and filter respirator for mercury adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable non-metallic containers as far as possible. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• The following treatment processes have shown possible applicability for spill countermeasures: clarification/sedimentation >99% removal; clarification/ sedimentation with chemical addition: (alum) >62% removal, (alum, polymer) 88% removal, (lime) >96% removal, (BaCl2) 87% removal, and (polymer) 99% removal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In mining and primary metal recovery operations, it has been a standard practice to liberally dust mercury spills with flowers (microcrystalline) of sulfur or preferably calcium polysulfide, to encourage the formation of a surface coating of mercuric sulfide which would reduce the rate of Hg vapor loss during the period of cleanup.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The chloralkali industry has long relied upon wet operation, that is maintaining a water flow over the concrete floors underlying the electrolytic mercury (Hg) cells to reduce Hg vapor loss in this way. Sumps in the underfloor drainage systems were used to collect Hg from spills which were flushed into them, but the design of these was not highly effective. To reduce Hg losses via this route, water use for this purpose is now kept to a minimum necessity and the sump discharge is either fed into the brine circuit or treated for Hg removal prior to discharge.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Storage temperature: Ambient; Venting: Open
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Mercury compounds [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg): Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Recommendations for respirator selection. Max. concn for use: 2.5 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern. End of service life indicator (ESLI) required. Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern. End of service life indicator (ESLI) required. Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Recommendations for respirator selection. Max. concn for use: 10 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. /Mercury [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg), mercury vapor/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure-mode. Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. /Mercury [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg), mercury vapor/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• Other mercury compounds: NIOSH/OSHA Up to 1 mg/m3 : (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern† (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 2.5 mg/m3 : (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern†(canister) Up to 5 mg/m3 : (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern† (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canist…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• MERCURY forms an explosive acelylide when mixed with acetylene. Can form explosive compounds with ammonia (a residue resulting from such a reaction exploded when an attempt was made to clean it off a steel rod [Chem. Eng. News 25:2138. 1947]. Chlorine dioxide (also other oxidants, such as: chlorine, bromine, nitric acid, performic acid), and mercury explode when mixed [Mellor 2, Supp. 1:381. 1956]. Methyl azide in the presence of mercury is potentially explosive [Can. J. Chem. 41:1048. 1963]. Ground mixtures of sodium carbide and mercury can react vigorously [Mellor 5:848. 1946-47]. Ammonia forms explosive compounds with gold, mercury, or silver. (Eggeman, Tim. "Ammonia".
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Ground mixtures of sodium carbide and mercury, aluminum, lead, or iron can react vigorously.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A violent exothermic reaction or possible explosion occurs when mercury comes in contact with lithium and rubidium.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• CHLORINE DIOXIDE & LIQUID HG, WHEN MIXED, EXPLODE VIOLENTLY.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• SLIGHTLY VOLATILE AT ORDINARY TEMP; WHEN PURE, DOES NOT TARNISH ON EXPOSURE TO AIR AT ORDINARY TEMP, BUT WHEN HEATED TO NEAR BOILING POINT, SLOWLY OXIDIZES TO MERCURIC OXIDE (HGO)
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Immunological (Immune System), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Nervous
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the skin. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapour may cause pneumonitis. This may result in death. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in tremors and tissue lesions. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in irritability, emotional instability, tremors, mental and memory disturbances and speech disorders. May cause inflammation and discoloration of gums. Cumulative effects are possible. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D009, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U151, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Mercury is a poor candidate for incineration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2809

Shipping name

• UN 2809; Mercury
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 8; Mercury
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Mercury based pesticide, liquid, flammable, toxic
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Severe marine pollutant
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Mercury based pesticides, liquid, toxic, flammable
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Corrosive Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2809 172
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 2809 172(metal)
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Mercury is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Mercury and cmpd/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U151; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when mercury, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 23931 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.