Toxicological
Profile for Mercury
March 1999
The ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)
toxicologic profile succinctly characterizes the toxicological and
adverse health effects information for the hazardous substance,
mercury . Each peer-reviewed profile identifies and and reviews the
key literature that describes a hazardous substance's toxicological
properties. Other pertinent literature is also presented, but is
described in less detail than the key studies. The profile is not
intended to be an exhaustive document; however, more comprehensive
sources of specialty information are referenced.
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
“Methyl, ethyl, n-propyl & perhaps n-butyl mercury derivatives are
virulent neurotoxins on either acute or chronic exposure. They are especially hazardous because of their volatility, their
ability to penetrate epithelial & blood-brain barriers & their persistence in vivo."
[Gosselin,
R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial
Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,
1984.III-267]**PEER REVIEWED**
CASRN: NO CAS RN
This record contains general information for the mercury ion and
compounds, including statements referenced in the literature to
organic mercury compounds, inorganic mercury salts, etc. For
compound-specific information, refer to the appropriate individual
records as listed in the RELATED HSDB RECORDS (RELT) field; for
information on the metal itself, to the MERCURY, ELEMENTAL record.
For other data, click on the
Table of Contents
Human Health Effects:
Toxicity Summary:
IDENTIFICATION: In its elemental form,
mercury is a heavy silvery liquid at room temperature and has a very
high vapour pressure. Mercury vapor is more soluble in plasma, whole
blood, and hemoglobin than in distilled water, where it dissolves
only slightly. The major natural sources of mercury are degassing of
the earth's crust, emissions from volcanoes, and evaporation from
natural bodies of water. (The world-wide mining of mercury is
estimated to yield about 10,000 tons per year. The activities lead
to some losses of mercury and direct discharges to the atmosphere).
Other important sources are fossil fuel combustion, metal sulfide
ore smelting, gold refining, cement production, refuse incineration,
and industrial applications of metals. A major use of mercury is as
a cathode in the electrolysis of sodium chloride. Mercury is used in
the electrical industry, in control instruments in the home and
industry, and in laboratory and medical instruments. A very large
amount of mercury is used for the extraction of gold. Dental silver
amalgam for tooth filling contains large amounts of mercury. Use of
skin-lightening soap and creams can give rise to substantial mercury
exposure. Occupational exposure to inorganic mercury has been
investigated in chloralkali plants, mercury mines, thermometer
factories, refineries, and in dental clinics. High mercury levels
have been reported for all these occupational exposure situations,
although levels vary according to work environment conditions.
HUMAN EXPOSURE: The general population
is primarily exposed to mercury through the diet and dental amalgam.
Acute inhalation exposure to mercury vapor may be followed by chest
pains, dyspnea, coughing, hemoptysis, and sometimes interstitial
pneumonitis leading to death. (The ingestion of mercuric compounds,
in particular mercuric chloride, has caused ulcerative
gastroenteritis and acute tubular necrosis causing death from anuria
where dialysis was not available). The central nervous system is the
critical organ for mercury vapor exposure. Subacute exposure has
given rise to psychotic reactions characterized by delerium,
hallucinations, and suicidal tendency. Occupational exposure has
resulted in erethism as the principal feature of a broad ranging
functional disturbance. The kidney is the critical organ following
the ingestion of inorganic divalent mercury salts. Occupational
exposure to metallic mercury has long been associated with the
development of proteinuria. Both metallic mercury vapor and mercury
compounds have given rise to contact dermatitis. Mercurial
pharmaceuticals have been responsible for Pink disease (acrodynia)
in children, and mercury vapor exposure may be a cause of "Kawasaki"
disease. Results of both human and animal studies indicate that
about 80% of inhaled metallic mercury vapour is retained by the
body, whereas liquid metallic mercury is poorly absorbed via the
gastrointestinal tract.
ANIMAL STUDIES: Evidence of damage to brain, kidney, heart, and
lungs have been reported in rabbits exposed acutely to metallic
mercury vapor at certain concentrations. Both reversible and
irreversible toxic effects may be caused by mercury and its
compounds. In two studies, tremor and behavioural effects were
observed in rabbits and rats after several weeks of exposure to
metallic mercury vapour. Depending upon the animal strain tested,
either auto-immunity or immunosuppression is observed. The most
sensitive adverse effect caused by mercuric mercury is the formation
of mercuric-mercury-induced auto-immune glomerulonephritis. Mercuric
chloride was found to induce gene mutations in mouse lymphoma cells
and DNA damage in rat and mouse fibroblasts. The World Health
Organization reported no evidence that inorganic mercury is
carcinogenic. The neurotoxic effect seen after exposure to metallic
mercury vapour is attributable to the divalent mercury ion formed
through oxidation in the brain tissue. Significantly more mercury is
transported to the brain of mice and monkeys after the inhalation of
elemental mercury than after the intravenous injection of equivalent
doses of the mercuric form.
[World Health
Organization/International Programme on Chemical Safety.
Environmental Health Criteria 118 Inorganic Mercury. pp. 13-21,
68-83 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Evidence for
Carcinogenicity:
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the
carcinogenicity of mercury and mercury compounds. There is
inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity
of metallic mercury. There is limited evidence in experimental
animals for the carcinogenicity of mercuric chloride. There is
sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity
of methylmercury chloride. In making the overall evaluation, the
Working Group took into account evidence that methylmercury
compounds are similar with regard to absorption, distribution,
metabolism, excretion, genotoxicity and other forms of toxicity.
Overall evaluation: Methylmercury compounds are possibly
carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Metallic mercury and inorganic
mercury compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity
to humans. (Group 3). /Mercury and mercury compounds/
[IARC. Monographs on the
Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Geneva:
World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on
Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work).V58 324 (1993)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Human Toxicity
Excerpts:
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: A. First phase after ingestion of inorganic mercury
salts. 1) Burning pain, sense of constriction, and ashen
discoloration of the mucous membrane in mouth and pharynx, occurring
immediately after the ingestion of corrosive mercury salts. 2)
Within a few minutes intense epigastric pain, followed by diffuse
abdominal pain and associated with almost continuous vomiting of
mucoid material, which frequently contains blood and shreds of
mucous membrane. 3) Severe purging, with liquid, bloody feces and
considerable tenesmus. 4) Metallic taste, excessive salivation and
thirst. 5) A rapid, weak pulse; Shallow breathing; Pallor;
Prostration, collapse, and death. 6) Signs and symptoms listed above
are not encountered with mercury compounds of low irritancy or with
portals of entry other than the mouth. In these cases the first
clinical evidence of poisoning may be phase 2.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-270]**PEER REVIEWED**
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: Second phase. If death does not intervene, phase 2
begins in 1-3 days in untreated cases (unless vomiting so
effectively removed the poison that absorption was negligible). 1)
The gastroenteritis described above tends to subside in about 36 hr
under the influence of local treatment. 2) Mercurial stomatitis may
or may not appear within 24-36 hr. It is characterized by a
glossitis and ulcerative gingivitis. Salivation is marked. In
chronic neglected cases severe infections, loosening of teeth, and
necrosis of the jaw are major complications. 3) Necrosis of the
renal tubules is evident within 2-3 days. In sequence, the results
are transient polyuria, albuminuria, cylindruria, hematuria, anuria,
and eventual death associated with azotemia and renal acidosis or
recovery within 10-14 days.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-270]**PEER REVIEWED**
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 4) Especially in untreated cases, a membranous
colitis may first appear many days after the original exposure. It
is evidenced by dysentery, tenesmus, ulceration of the colonic
mucosa, and hemorrhage. Liver necrosis sometimes develops. In
neglected cases collapse and death may occur weeks after the start
of the illness. 5) Rarely neurologic signs and symptoms may appear
late in the course of a slow convalescence after an acute exposure.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-270]**PEER REVIEWED**
Nervous symptoms are prominent & severe, though sometimes
transitory; they include headache, vertigo, ataxia, decrease in the
visual fields, delirium, & paresis. /Ethyl mercury phosphate/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.II-136]**PEER REVIEWED**
Methyl, ethyl, n-propyl & perhaps n-butyl mercury derivatives are
virulent neurotoxins on either acute or chronic exposure. They are
especially hazardous because of their volatility, their ability to
penetrate epithelial & blood-brain barriers & their persistence in
vivo. /Alkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-267]**PEER REVIEWED**
Signs & symptoms in acutely poisoned men ... /from exposure to aryl
or alkoxyalkyl mercury compounds/ have not been adequately
described. Local irritant effects are well established, such as
dermatitis & burns from skin exposures to phenylmercuric salts.
Blistering has occurred when methoxyethyl mercury acetate was
applied to the skin in high concn, & pulmonary symptoms have arisen
when methoxyethyl mercury oxalate or silicate was inhaled. /Aryl and
alkoxyalkyl mercury compounds/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-266]**PEER REVIEWED**
In terms of systemic effects /from exposure to aryl or alkoxyalkyl
mercury compounds/ the only well documented acute reaction is sudden
death during intravenous mercurial diuretic therapy. Most of these
deaths were ascribed to cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation,
but rarely respiratory failure was observed without cardiac
manifestations. Hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported.
/Aryl and alkoxyalkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-266]**PEER REVIEWED**
No unequivocal central neural effects have been recognized in acute
exposures. Even an attempted suicide with phenyl mercury is said to
have elicited no significant neurological signs. The same was true
of a suicidal ingestion of 5.7 g of methoxyethyl mercury chloride,
which elicited vomiting & chemical burns of the mouth & throat but
little else. Most intoxications by aryl & alkoxyalkyl mercury,
however, have not been detected until after repeated or continuous
exposures of long duration. Even then, the number of reported
poisonings, aside from skin rashes, is remarkably low. /Aryl and
alkoxyalkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-266]**PEER REVIEWED**
In subacute & chronic poisonings & probably sometimes in the late
stages of acute poisonings, these organomercurials /aryl &
alkoxyalkyl mercury/ appear to produce intoxication syndromes that
are in practice indistinguishable from those induced by inorganic
mercury. ... Death in renal failure, as well as the production of a
nephrotic syndrome, has been ascribed to mercurial diuretics.
Nephrosis ... appeared in a 60 yr old man who for 5 years had
handled grain treated with methoxyethyl mercury silicate. A 5 yr old
boy exposed to a methoxyethyl mercury seed disinfectant developed
acrodynia. As in chronic inorganic mercury poisoning, neurological
signs (tremor, motor & sensory nerve disorders) have been detected
in a few individuals chronically exposed to these forms of organic
mercury. A 39 yr old farmer who had used no precautions in dusting
oat seeds with phenylmercuric acetate over a period of 5 to 6 years
& who excreted large amounts of mercury in the urine died of an
apparently progressive neurologic disease resembling amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis. Five other farmers similarly exposed were said to
have various motor disabilities. /Aryl and alkoxyalkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-266]**PEER REVIEWED**
These two classes of organomercurials /aryl & alkoxyalkyl mercury/
are rather similar in terms of toxicity, instability in vivo, tissue
distribution, retention & excretion; they differ markedly from alkyl
mercury compounds ... /Aryl and alkoxyalkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-265]**PEER REVIEWED**
Available data point to great similarities in symptoms & signs of
poisoning due to ethylmercury & methylmercury. Most detailed
information deals with methylmercury. There is no sharp difference
between acute & chronic poisoning from exposure to methylmercury
compounds. Once a toxic dose has been absorbed in the body, it is
retained for a long time, causing functional disturbances & damage.
On the other hand, a single toxic dose does not produce signs or
symptoms until after a latency period, which may vary from 1 to
several weeks. Two clinical types of intoxication may be discerned,
a prenatal & a postnatal type. These give rise to different kinds of
signs & symptoms. /Alkylmercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 426]**PEER REVIEWED**
The clinical picture in prenatal methylmercury poisoning is that of
an unspecific infantile cerebral palsy, involving ataxic motor
disturbances & mental symptoms. Upon autopsy, the brain is found to
be hypoplastic with a symmetrical atrophy of cerebrum & cerebellum.
Decreased numbers of neurons & distortion of the cytoarchitecture in
the cortical areas are histological features. The changes coincide
with those of cerebral palsy of unknown etiology. Similar findings
have been reported in cases of ethylmercury poisoning. In less
severe cases, psychomotor retardation has been observed, as revealed
by a delayed debut of walking & talking by more than 12 months, & an
increased incidence of seizures. In-fish consuming populations, a
moderate increase in hair-mercury levels during pregnancy has been
assoc with impaired psychomotor test performance of the child at 4-5
years of age. /Alkylmercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 427]**PEER REVIEWED**
The clinical signs of postnatal intoxication due to methylmercury
are characterized by sensitivity disturbances with paresthesia in
the distal extremities, in the tongue & around the lips. These are
early signs occurring after slight intoxication. In more severe
intoxication, ataxia, concentric constriction of the visual field,
impairment of hearing, & extrapyramidal symptoms may appear. In
severe cases, clonic seizures have been observed. The pathological
changes in the CNS are characterized by general neuron degeneration
in the cerebral cortex with gliosis, most pronounced in the
calcarine, the precentral & postcentral areas. These changes are
accompanied by atrophy of the cerebral cortex. In the cerebellar
cortex, less pronounced changes, involving a loss of granular cells
in the neocerebellum, may be encountered. /Alkylmercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 427]**PEER REVIEWED**
Considering that methylmercury is excreted by breast milk, postnatal
poisoning of the nursed child can easily arise. Symptoms for this
type of poisoning are similar to those of the adult. It is, however,
unclear to what extent poisoning during this period may, except for
neuron damage, give rise to inhibition of the development &
maturation of the brain. Some reports seem to indicate that
regeneration & compensatory adaptation during this period are better
than during childhood. When neurological signs due to methylmercury
poisoning appear, the duration of exposure is of importance for
recovery & rehabilitation. The outlook for recovery & for
rehabilitation seems to be better in case of acute exposure compared
to prolonged exposure. /Alkylmercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 427]**PEER REVIEWED**
Possible distinctions between poisoning by methyl mercury & ethyl
mercury. There is some indication that, compared to methyl
compounds, the illness produced by ethylmercuric compounds involves
relatively greater injury to the GI system (aphthous stomatitis,
catarrahal gingivitis, nausea, liquid stool, pain, & laboratory
evidence of liver disorder) & the cardiovascular & hematopoietic
systems & less disorder of sensation & coordination. The contrast
between the two has been pointed out on the basis of outbreaks /of
poisoning/ in Iraq, the one in 1960 caused by ethyl mercury & the
one in 1972 caused by methyl mercury. However, poisoning by ethyl
mercury may be fatal, & those who survive may have residual
symptoms. A description of poisoning by ethyl mercury in children
makes it appear impossible to distinguish poisoning by ethyl &
methyl mercury. At present it is unclear whether an important,
clinical distinction is justified between poisoning by ethyl &
methyl mercury either in adults or in children. /Alkyl mercury
compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.22]**PEER REVIEWED**
Acute poisoning by organic mercury has been reported infrequently in
man, although cases of such poisoning by methyl & other alkyl
compounds have occurred. There have been many cases of chronic
poisoning involving organic mercury. The classical description of
poisoning by an alkyl mercury compound is that of ... headache;
paresthesia of the tongue, lips, fingers, & toes; & other
nonspecific dysfunction. In mild cases, the symptoms do not develop
beyond this point, & in such instances they usually disappear
gradually. /Alkyl mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.21]**PEER REVIEWED**
Some but not all workers equally exposed to alkyl mercury compounds
complain of a metallic taste in the mouth & slight gastrointestinal
disturbances, such as excessive flatus & diarrhea. However, the
acute symptoms assoc with irritation of the GI system & renal
failure caused by inorganic mercury compounds are seldom observed in
poisoning by alkyl mercury compounds & then almost exclusively in
acute poisoning. Even the mild digestive disturbances & sore mouth
seen in moderate, chronic, occupational poisoning by inorganic
mercury are relatively rare. Instead, the nervous symptoms appear
1st, sometimes after relatively slight exposure & after weeks or
months of latency. /Alkyl mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.21]**PEER REVIEWED**
Early signs of more severe poisoning include fine tremors of the
extended hands, loss of side vision, & slight loss of coordination,
esp with the eyes closed as in the finger-to-nose test.
Incoordination is esp noticeable in speech, writing, & gait.
Incoordination may progress to the point of inability to stand or
carry out other voluntary movements. Occasionally there is muscle
atrophy & flexure contractures. In other cases, there are
generalized myoclonic movements. There may be difficulty in
understanding ordinary speech, although hearing & the understanding
of slow deliberate speech often remain unaffected. Irritability &
bad temper are frequently present & may progress to mania.
Occasionally the mental picture deteriorates to stupor or coma.
Especially in children, mental retardation may be added to the
symptoms of poisoning already mentioned. /Alkyl mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.21]**PEER REVIEWED**
... /Chromosome/ aberration & aneuploidy in ethylmercury-exposed
workers /have been reported/. /Alkylmercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 428]**PEER REVIEWED**
Secondary poisoning can arise from the ingestion of the flesh of
animals which have been fed on mercurial fungicides; a farming
family has been poisoned in this way. /Organic mercury compounds/
[Clarke, M. L., D. G.
Harvey and D. J. Humphreys. Veterinary Toxicology. 2nd ed. London:
Bailliere Tindall, 1981.62]**PEER REVIEWED**
Alkyl mercury salts are more toxic than are elemental Hg (liquid or
vapor) & inorganic Hg+2 salts. /Alkyl mercury salts/
[Venugopal, B. and T.D.
Luckey. Metal Toxicity in Mammals, 2. New York: Plenum Press,
1978.92]**PEER REVIEWED**
Inorganic, ionic mercury can produce severe acute toxicity.
Precipitation of mucous membrane proteins by mercuric salts results
in an ashen-gray appearance of the mucosa of the mouth, pharynx and
intestine and also causes intense pain, which may be accompained by
vomiting. ... Systemic toxicity may begin within a few hours after
exposure to mercury and last for days. A strong metallic taste is
followed by stomatitis with gingival irritation, foul breath and
loosening of the teeth. The most serious and, unfortunately, the
most frequently encountered systemic effect of inorganic mercury is
renal toxicity. Renal tubular necrosis occurs after acute exposure,
leading to oliguria or anuria. /Inorganic mercury/
[Gilman, A.G.,
L.S.Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 7th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc., 1985.1612]**PEER REVIEWED**
DISTURBANCES OF EYES IN MERCURY POISONING CONSISTS OF DISCOLORATION
OF CORNEA & LENS, TREMOR OF EYELIDS, & POSSIBLY ... DISTURBANCES OF
VISION & EXTRAOCULAR MUSCLES. ... IN VERY YOUNG CHILDREN ACRODYNIA.
... CHARACTERTISTIC BY OCULAR SYMPTOMS ... PHOTOPHOBIA ...
CONJUNCTIVITIS, ITCHING ... KERATITIS ... /INORGANIC MERCURY/
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology
of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher,
1986.583]**PEER REVIEWED**
Lethal Blood Level: The concn of organic mercury present in the
blood (serum or plasma) that has been reported to cause death in
humans is: >0.06%; >0.6 ug/ml. /Organic mercury/
[Winek, C.L. Drug and
Chemical Blood-Level Data 1985. Pittsburgh, PA: Allied Fischer
Scientific, 1985.]**PEER REVIEWED**
The two most widely known epidemics of methyl mercury poisoning
occurred in Minamata Bay and Niigata, Japan in 1953 to the early
sixties. These episodes were caused by the industrial release of
methyl and other mercury (Hg) compounds into the neighboring waters,
followed by accumulation of the Hg by edible fish. The median level
of total Hg in fish caught was estimated between 10-11 mg/kg fresh
weight. By 1974, a total of 1200 cases of methyl mercury poisoning
were identified, of which 55 proved fatal. Highest concentration of
Hg were found in the blood and hair.
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.90-107 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Idiosyncratic reactions to mercury and mercury cmpd on local contact
have been seen in connection with mercury applied locally to skin
and mucous membranes. Typical manifestations are erythemas and
contact dermatitis. ... A special form of hypersensitivity was found
in children between 4 months and 4 years of age. This syndrome,
called acrodynia or pink disease, is characterized by a general rash
over the body. Other symptoms are chills, swelling & irritation of
hands, feet cheeks & nose, usually followed by desquamation, loss of
hair & ulceration. In addition to skin symptoms, the disease
features irritability, photophobia, sleeplessness & profuse
perspiration, which may lead to dehydration. Perspiration is
accompanied by dilated & enlarged sweat glands & desquamation of
soles & palms. Hyperplasia & hyperkeratosis of skin in peripheral
parts of extremities are seen. ... Acrodynia cases ... usually show
increased levels of mercury in urine (above 50 ug/l).
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.413]**PEER REVIEWED**
The most extensive episodes of mercury poisoning have resulted from
contamination of bread made from cereal grains treated with
alkyl-mercury fungicides. These incidents have occurred in Iraq,
Pakistan, Guatemala, and on limited scale in other countries. The
largest of these episodes occurred in Iraq, 1971-72. It involved
some 6,000 cases and 500 deaths. The mean methyl-mercury content of
wheat was found to be 7.9 mg/kg (3.7-14.9 mg/kg). In the most
severely affected group of the population, the highest daily intake
of Hg was about 130 ug/kg; The average period of consumption ranged
from 43-68 days. /Alkyl mercury fungicide/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.90-107 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
THERE ... IS A DISEASE OF INFANTS KNOWN AS ACRODYNIA OR "PINK
DISEASE" IN WHICH INORGANIC MERCURY SEEMS TO PLAY A ROLE. IT IS
CHARACTERIZED BY NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISTURBANCES, PERIPHERAL VASCULAR
EFFECTS, DISTURBANCES OF SENSATION OF THE EXTREMITIES, STOMATITIS, &
OTHER VAGUE, NONSPECIFIC SIGNS. /INORGANIC MERCURY/
[Doull, J., C.D.Klassen,
and M.D. Amdur (eds.). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 3rd ed., New
York: Macmillan Co., Inc., 1986.426]**PEER REVIEWED**
MERCURIALS EVEN IN LOW CONCENTRATIONS ARE CAPABLE OF INACTIVATING
SULFHYDRYL ENZYMES AND THUS OF INTERFERING WITH CELLULAR METABOLISM
AND FUNCTION. /MERCURIALS/
[Gilman, A.G.,
L.S.Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 7th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc., 1985.1611]**PEER REVIEWED**
Oral ingestion ... causing severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea,
and suppression of urine ... corrosive ulceration, bleeding, and
necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract ... shock and circulatory
collapse ... renal failure occurs within 24 hrs ...
[Doull, J., C.D.Klassen,
and M.D. Amdur (eds.). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 3rd ed., New
York: Macmillan Co., Inc., 1986.607]**PEER REVIEWED**
UPON ACCIDENTAL OR SUICIDAL INGESTION OF SUBLIMATE OR OTHER MERCURIC
SALTS THE CRITICAL ORGANS ARE KIDNEY & INTESTINAL TRACT. ... IF PT
SURVIVES GI DAMAGE, CRITICAL ORGAN WILL BE KIDNEY. WITHIN 24 HR,
RENAL FAILURE DUE TO NECROSIS OF PROXIMAL TUBULAR EPITHELIUM, WHICH
DEVELOPS INTO ANURIA & UREMIA, OCCURS. /MERCURIC SALTS/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.412]**PEER REVIEWED**
Following exposure to mercuric Hg(2+) salts ... by inhalation of
dusts ... kidney is critical organ of injury. Although site of
diuretic action of Hg(2+) salts has not been demonstrated, it is
suspected to be the proximal tubules. /Mercuric salts/
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E.
Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume
2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons,
1981-1982.1777]**PEER REVIEWED**
Systemic - The central nervous system, including the brain, is the
principal target tissue for this group of toxic compounds. Severe
poisoning may produce irreversible brain damage resulting in loss of
higher functions. The effects of chronic poisoning with alkyl
mercury compounds are progressive. In the early stages, there are
fine tremors of the hands, and in some cases, of the face and arms.
With continued exposure, tremors may become coarse and convulsive;
scanning speech with moderate slurring and difficulty in
pronunciation may also occur. The worker may then develop an
unsteady gait of a spastic nature which can progress to severe
ataxia of the arms and legs. Sensory disturbances including tunnel
vision, blindness, and deafness are also common. A later symptom,
constriction of the visual fields, is rarely reversible and may be
associated with loss of understanding and reason which makes the
victim completely out of touch with his environment. Severe cerebral
effects have been seen in infants born to mothers who had eaten
large amounts of methyl mercury-contaminated fish. /Methyl mercury
compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Phenylmercury absorbed through the skin from contaminated diapers
affected urinary excretion in infants in Buenos Aires. The effects
were reversible and quantitatively related to the concn of urinary
Hg. /Phenylmercury cmpd/
[Gotelli CA et al;
Science 227 (4687): 638-640 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
RENAL FUNCTION MAY BE DISTURBED WITHIN A FEW MINUTES AFTER POISON
REACHES CIRCULATION. IF CIRCULATION IS ADEQUATE, 1ST RESPONSE OF
KIDNEY MAY BE A DIURESIS CAUSED BY INHIBITION OF TUBULAR
REABSORPTIVE FUNCTION. SOON, RENAL DAMAGE IS SO EXTENSIVE THAT
OLIGURIA ... RESULTS. /MERCURIC SALTS/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S.
Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc. 1980.1624]**PEER REVIEWED**
... /A disease/ prevalent among hatters ... manifested all the
characteristics of mercurial poisoning: Swelling & ulceration of
gums, loosening of teeth, fetid breath, abnormal flow of saliva &
shaking palsy of limbs. ... Outstanding findings in these reports
incl irritability, timidity, apprehension & restlessness; Vasomotor
disorders ... incr reflexes, gingivitis & slight abnormalities in
speech. Psychic disturbances were detected. ... Incr of systolic
blood pressure, albuminuria, & hematuria were also noted.
[Hamilton, A., and H. L.
Hardy. Industrial Toxicology. 3rd ed. Acton, Mass.: Publishing
Sciences Group, Inc., 1974.132]**PEER REVIEWED**
ACUTE POISONING ... /MAY RESULT FROM/ INHALATION OF VAPORS OF ...
ORGANIC MERCURIALS ... IF POISONING OCCURS BY INHALATION OF FUMES OF
... ORGANIC MERCURIALS, THE SYNDROME IS CHARACTERIZED BY PNEUMONITIS,
LETHARGY OR RESTLESSNESS, FEVER, TACHYPNEA, COUGH, CHEST PAIN,
CYANOSIS, DIARRHEA & VOMITING; ATELECTASIS, EMPHYSEMA, HEMORRHAGE &
PNEUMOTHORAX OFTEN FOLLOW. SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF THE POISON START
WITHIN FEW HOURS & MAY LAST FOR DAYS; DEATH MAY ENSUE. ... SYSTEMIC
SIGNS OF ACUTE POISONING BY ... METHYLMERCURIC COMPOUNDS INCL THOSE
REFERABLE TO CNS ... /ORGANIC MERCURIALS/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S.
Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc. 1980.1624]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE MOST CONSISTENT & PRONOUNCED EFFECTS OF /CHRONIC/ EXPOSURE TO
... SHORT-CHAIN ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS SUCH AS METHYLMERCURY ARE ON
CNS. EFFECTS ... ARE NEUROLOGICAL & PSYCHIATRIC. COMMON SYMPTOMS
INCL DEPRESSION, IRRITABILITY, EXAGGERATED RESPONSE TO STIMULATION (ERETHISM),
EXCESSIVE SHYNESS, INSOMNIA, EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY, FORGETFULNESS,
CONFUSION, & VASOMOTOR DISTURBANCES SUCH AS EXCESSIVE PERSPIRATION &
UNCONTROLLED BLUSHING. TREMORS ARE ALSO COMMON ... ... SENSORY
EFFECTS ... OCCUR MORE CONSISTENTLY & AT LOWER LEVELS OF EXPOSURE.
EARLIEST SIGN IS PARESTHESIA. AT ... HIGHER LEVELS OF EXPOSURE OTHER
EFFECTS OCCUR, SUCH AS ATAXIA, CONSTRICTION OF VISUAL FIELD,
DYSARTHRIA, & HEARING DEFECTS. THESE ALTERATIONS ARE IRREVERSIBLE
WHEN POISONING IS SEVERE. NEUROPSYCHIATRIC EFFECTS ... ARE LIKELY TO
INVOLVE SPONTANEOUS FITS OF LAUGHING & CRYING & INTELLECTUAL
DETERIORATION. /ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S.
Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc. 1980.1624]**PEER REVIEWED**
The alkyl mercury compounds are strong irritants of the skin & may
cause blisters or other dermatitis with or without assoc systemic
illness. /Alkyl mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.22]**PEER REVIEWED**
AMONG INORG CMPD, ELEMENTAL MERCURY & DIVALENT MERCURY SALT ARE THE
CMPD OF TOXICOLOGICAL INTEREST. IT IS DOUBTFUL WHETHER MERCUROUS
MERCURY HAS ANY SURVIVAL IN THE ORGANISM, ALTHOUGH AT PRESENT
POSSIBILITY ... THAT MERCUROUS MERCURY MAY BE INTERMEDIATE IN REDOX
TRANSFORMATION OF ELEMENTAL & MERCURIC MERCURY OR VICE VERSA IN
BODY. /INORGANIC MERCURY CMPD/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.389]**PEER REVIEWED**
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF THE MERCURY CMPD, ITS STABILITY IN THE
ORGANISM & ITS ROUTES OF BIOTRANSFORMATION & EXCRETION WILL GOVERN
TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES FOR THE HIGHER ORGANISMS. THUS EACH MERCURY
CMPD HAS ITS OWN TOXICOLOGY IN RELATION TO DOSE-EFFECT &
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS.
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.389]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury(2+) compounds are more toxic than the mercury(1+) compounds
by all routes of admin (except mercuric nitrate by way of ip route);
no species resistance to oral LD was observed; the order of toxicity
by ip admin practically repeated oral admin. Toxicity of mercury(2+)
compounds was less uniform than of mercury(1+) compounds; and
solubility of the compounds had no effect on the toxicity. Water sol
mercurous nitrate was 7 fold less toxic than mercuric nitrate, while
being less toxic than the insol mercurous chloride.
[Trakhtenberg
IM et al; Gig Tr Prof Zabol (7): 27-30 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercuric salts are the most toxic form of mercury. /Mercuric salts/
[Gilman, A.G.,
L.S.Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 7th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc., 1985.1611]**PEER REVIEWED**
IN GENERAL, TOXICITY DEPENDS UPON RELEASE OF MERCURIC ION. /MERCURY/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.II-134]**PEER REVIEWED**
Soluble salts have violent corrosive effects on skin and mucous
membranes. /Soluble mercury salts/
[The Merck Index. 10th
ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983.842]**PEER REVIEWED**
When deposited on the skin, they give no warning, and if contact is
maintained, can cause second-degree burns. Sensitization may occur.
/Methyl mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
MERCURIC SALTS ARE THE MORE IRRITATING & ACUTELY TOXIC FORM OF THE
METAL. /MERCURIC SALTS/
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1655]**PEER REVIEWED**
Either acute or chronic exposure may produce permanent changes to
affected organs and organ systems. Acute poisoning due to mercury
vapors affects the lung primarily, in the form of acute interstitial
pnuemonitis, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. ... In general, chronic
exposure produces four classical signs: gingivitis, sialorrhea,
increased irritability, and muscular tremors. Rarely are all four
seen in together in an individual case. /Mercury vapors/
[Sittig, M. Handbook of
Toxic And Hazardous Chemicals. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data
Corporation, 1981.424]**PEER REVIEWED**
SECONDARY POISONING CAN ARISE FROM INGESTION OF FLESH OF ANIMALS
WHICH HAVE BEEN FED ON MERCURIAL FUNGICIDES; A FARMING FAMILY HAS
BEEN POISONED IN THIS WAY... /MERCURIAL FUNGICIDES/
[Clarke, M. L., D. G.
Harvey and D. J. Humphreys. Veterinary Toxicology. 2nd ed. London:
Bailliere Tindall, 1981.62]**PEER REVIEWED**
IN HUMANS THE NEUROTOXIC SYMPTOMS OF METHYL MERCURY SALTS, THE
HUNTER-RUSSEL SYNDROME, INVOLVE FOCAL CEREBRAL & CEREBELLAR ATROPHY.
THE GRANULAR CELL LAYER OF NEOCEREBELLUM IS AFFECTED FOLLOWED BY
CORTICAL ATROPHY OF AREA STRIATA, WHICH LEADS TO BLINDNESS. /METHYL
MERCURY SALTS/
[Venugopal, B. and T.D.
Luckey. Metal Toxicity in Mammals, 2. New York: Plenum Press,
1978.95]**PEER REVIEWED**
Phenylmercury absorbed through the skin from contaminated diapers
affected urinary excretion in infants in Buenos Aires. The effects
were reversible and quantitatively related to the concn of urinary
mercury. /Phenylmercury cmpd/
[Gotelli CA et al;
Science 227 (4687): 638-40 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Exposure of the skin to a concentrated solution of phenylmercury
cmpd may cause chemical burns with blistering. /Organo-mercurials/
[International Labour
Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II.
Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.1336]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Chronic poisoning with inorganic mercury causes ... mercurialentis
(a colored reflex from lens) ... but does not indicate intoxication.
... Nonspecific symptoms such as anorexia, wt loss, anemia &
muscular weakness are also assoc with chronic exposure ...
/Inorganic mercury salts/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S.
Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc. 1980.1625]**PEER REVIEWED**
Corrosive ulceration, bleeding, and necrosis of the gastrointestinal
tract are usually accompanied by shock and circulatory collapse. If
the patient survives the gastrointestinal damage, renal failure
occurs within 24 hours owing to necrosis ... followed by oliguria,
anuria, and uremia. /Mercuric salts/
[Klaassen, C.D., M.O.
Amdur, Doull J. (eds.). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. The Basic
Science of Poisons. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill,
1995.711]**PEER REVIEWED**
Inorganic forms of mercury ... produce symptoms of metallic taste,
burning, irritation, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, upper
gstrointestinal tract edema, abdominal pain, and hemorrhage.
/Inorganic mercury/
[Amdur, M.O., J. Doull,
C.D. Klaasen (eds). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 4th ed. New
York, NY: Pergamon Press, 1991.938]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercuric ... compounds locally applied to skin may cause
idiosyncratic skin symptoms like erythema & more severe exfoliative
dermatitis, involving whole body. A specific form of
hypersensitivity is seen in children between 4 months & 4 years of
age. This syndrome, called acrodynia or pink disease, is
characterized by a general rash over body. Other symptoms are
chills, swelling & irritation of hands, feet, cheeks & nose, usually
followed by desquamation, loss of hair & ulceration. In addn to skin
symptoms, the disease features irritability, photophobia,
sleeplessness, & profuse perspiration, which may lead to
dehydration. Perspiration is accompanied by dilated & enlarged sweat
glands & desquamation of soles & palms. Hyperplasia & hyperkeratosis
of skin in peripheral parts of extremities are seen. ... Acrodynia
cases ... usually show incr levels of mercury in urine (above 50 ug/L).
[Friberg, L., G.R.
Nordberg, and V.B. Vouk. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. New
York: Elsevier North Holland, 1979.518]**PEER REVIEWED**
Lethal Blood Level: The concn of inorganic mercury present in blood
(serum or plasma) that has been reported to cause death in humans
is: 0.04-2.2 mg%; 0.4-2.2 ug/ml. /Inorganic mercury/
[Winek CL; Drug &
Chemical Blood Level Data Inorganic Mercury (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
A 54 year old man who experienced a 2 day exposure to high levels of
mercury vapor resulting in a urine concentration of 100 ug Hg/l
developed a syndrome resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The
syndrome disappeared when the urinary mercury concentration returned
to normal. /Mercury/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E.
Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley
& Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2132]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chloro-alkali plant workers exposed to mercury (probably inorganic)
concentrations of <0.1 to 0.2.7 mg/cu m had significant exposure
related effects that included weight loss, tremors, insomnia, and
abnormal reflexes. At 0.1 mg/cu m there was a slight increase in
insomnia and loss of appetite. There was no evidence of kidney
damage in these workers. Additionally, based on blood and urine
analyses from the workers, ... /it was/ estimated that a 0.1 mg
Hg/cu m TWA exposure was correlated with 6 ug Hg/100 ml of blood and
with 250 ug/l of urine. /Inorganic mercury/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E.
Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley
& Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2133]**PEER REVIEWED**
Six of 75 workers exposed to 0.05 to 0.1 mg Hg/cu m of mercury vapor
in a glass manufacturing plant reported insomnia, and one had
tremors. Hyperexcitability was observed in 33 percent of the workers
exposed to mercury vapor at concentrations above 0.05 mg Hg/cu m,
whereas only 8 percent of the workers exposed below this
concentration were hyperexcitable. Tremors were observed in 20
percent of the workers in both groups. Occupational mercury
exposures resulting in tremors are associated with urinary mercury
concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 ug/g creatinine. /Mercury
vapor/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E.
Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley
& Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2133]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury urinary concentrations of 87 control workers (mean urinary
mercury in the range of 3.3 to 4.6 mg Hg/g creatinine, based upon
three separate visits) were compared to those of 105 exposed workers
(mean urinary mercury in the range of 63 to 71 ug Hg/g creatinine,
based upon three separate visits). The range of individual values
was 0.4 to 275 ug Hg/g creatinine. The corresponding mean blood
mercury values were 5 and 17.5 ug Hg/l, respectively. Highly
significant correlations were found between blood and urinary
mercury concentrations. Urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase
correlated with urinary mercury levels in the exposed group. The
prevalence of greater than normal activities of the enzymes
N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) and gamma-glutamyl transferase
appeared to increase when the mercury concentration in urine
exceeded 100 ug Hg/g creatinine; but there was no evidence of a dose
response relationship over the full range of mercury concentration.
/Mercury/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E.
Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley
& Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2133]**PEER REVIEWED**
When 84 mercury exposed workers in a thermometer factory were
compared to 79 workers not exposed to mercury, the exposed workers
were found to have a higher prevalence of static tremor, abnormal
Romberg test, and dysdiadochokinesia. There was a correlation
between urinary mercury Hg and NAG suggestive of recent mercury
toxicity, whereas the CNS signs and symptoms were considered a
result of chronic toxicity. No differences existed between the
groups of workers with regard to beta-microglobulin and
retinol-binding protein, which are considered markers of proximal
renal tubule function. /Mercury/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E.
Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley
& Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2133]**PEER REVIEWED**
Forty one male mercury exposed workers were examined for serum
concentration levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM),
alpha-1-antitrypsin (AIAT), alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M),
ceruloplasmin (CPL), and orosomucoid (ORO). In the period preceding
this investigation the mercury concentrations in workplace air
ranged from 0.106 to 0.783 mg/cu m; the range of urinary mercury
concentrations was from 0.029 to 0.545 mg/l. All but two (IgG and
AIAT) of the immune parameters tested were at levels much higher
than those found in a control group of 55 workers matched by age to
the exposed workers and who lived in a relatively clean area. Almost
80% of the workers in the control group demonstrated no value out of
the range of normal physiological limits, but only 36.6% of the
exposed workers showed normal values. /Mercury/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E.
Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley
& Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2136]**PEER REVIEWED**
The most extensive episodes of mercury (Hg) poisoning have resulted
from contamination of bread made from cereal grains treated with
alkyl-mercury fungicides. These incidents have occurred in Iraq,
Pakistan, Guatemala, and on a limited scale in other countries. The
largest of these episodes occurred in Iraq, 1971-72. It involved
some 6,000 hospital admissions and 500 deaths. The mean methyl
mercury content of wheat was found to be 7.9 mg/kg (3.7-14.9 mg/kg).
In the most severely affected group of the population, the highest
daily intake of Hg was about 130 ug/kg; The average period of
consumption ranged from 43-68 days. /Alkyl-mercury fungicides/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.90-107 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE MOST CONSISTENT & PRONOUNCED EFFECTS OF /CHRONIC/ EXPOSURE TO
... SHORT-CHAIN ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS SUCH AS METHYLMERCURY ARE ON
CNS. EFFECTS ... ARE NEUROLOGICAL & PSYCHIATRIC. COMMON SYMPTOMS
INCL DEPRESSION, IRRITABILITY, EXAGGERATED RESPONSE TO STIMULATION (ERETHISM),
EXCESSIVE SHYNESS, INSOMNIA, EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY, FORGETFULNESS,
CONFUSION, & VASOMOTOR DISTURBANCES SUCH AS EXCESSIVE PERSPIRATION &
UNCONTROLLED BLUSHING. TREMORS ARE ALSO COMMON ... ... SENSORY
EFFECTS ... OCCUR MORE CONSISTENTLY & AT LOWER LEVELS OF EXPOSURE.
EARLIEST SIGN IS PARESTHESIA. AT ... HIGHER LEVELS OF EXPOSURE OTHER
EFFECTS OCCUR, SUCH AS ATAXIA, CONSTRICTION OF VISUAL FIELD,
DYSARTHRIA, & HEARING DEFECTS. THESE ALTERATIONS ARE IRREVERSIBLE
WHEN POISONING IS SEVERE. NEUROPSYCHIATRIC EFFECTS ... ARE LIKELY TO
INVOLVE SPONTANEOUS FITS OF LAUGHING & CRYING & INTELLECTUAL
DETERIORATION. /ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS/
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1657]**PEER REVIEWED**
Of 60 adult African women using skin-lightening creams containing
inorganic mercury, 26 developed the nephrotic syndrome ... Reported
one case of membranous nephropathy, due to the use of
skin-lightening cream, where immunofluorescence showed finely
granular IgG, IgM, and C3 complement deposits. /Inorganic mercury/
[WHO; Environmental
Health Criteria 118: Inorganic Mercury p. 93 (1991)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
... Thiomersal (sodium ethylmercurithiosalicilate) and ammoniated
mercury have been found to be common sensitizers in a survey on the
epidemiology of contact dermatitis ... Both aryl- and alkylmercurial
seed dressings have also been shown to be potent skin sensitizers.
Mercury compounds give rise to a type IV cell-mediated delayed
hypersensitivity reaction ... .
[WHO; Environmental
Health Criteria 118: Inorganic Mercury p. 97 (1991)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Acute poisoning is major threat in home & on farm, but, because
mercury is a cumulative poison, subacute & chronic intoxications are
recognized, particularly in industry.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-266]**PEER REVIEWED**
Human Toxicity
Values:
Lethal Blood Level: The concn of inorganic mercury present in the
blood (serum or plasma) that has been reported to cause death in
humans is: 0.04-2.2 mg%; 0.4-22 ug/ml. /Inorganic mercury/
[Winek, C.L. Drug and
Chemical Blood-Level Data 1985. Pittsburgh, PA: Allied Fischer
Scientific, 1985.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Skin, Eye and
Respiratory Irritations:
MANY MERCURY CMPD ARE IRRITATING TO SKIN & MAY PRODUCE DERMATITIS
WITH OR WITHOUT VESICATION. ... CONTACT WITH EYES CAUSES ULCERATION
OF CONJUNCTIVA & CORNEA.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-263]**PEER REVIEWED**
Alkyl mercury compounds are primary skin irritants and may cause
dermatitis. /Methyl mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS ARE STRONG IRRITANTS OF THE SKIN & MAY
CAUSE BLISTERS OR OTHER DERMATITIS WITH OR WITHOUT ASSOC SYSTEMIC
ILLNESS. /ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.22]**PEER REVIEWED**
Exposure of the skin to a concentrated solution of phenylmercury
cmpd may cause chemical burns with blistering. /Aryl mercury cmpd/
[International Labour
Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II.
Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.1336]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Soluble salts have violent corrosive effects on skin and mucous
membranes. /Mercury/
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The
Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals.
Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1006]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Irritation levels: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
states that "the organomercurials are severe skin, eye & mucous
membrane irritants. /Organo (alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.3]**PEER REVIEWED**
PROLONGED ABSORPTION OF IODIDES MAY PRODUCE IODISM WHICH IS
MANIFESTED BY SKIN RASH, RUNNING NOSE, HEADACHE, AND IRRITATION OF
MUCOUS MEMBRANES. /IODIDES/
[Sax, N.I. Dangerous
Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th ed. New York, NY: Van
Nostrand Reinhold, 1984.1616]**PEER REVIEWED**
Medical
Surveillance:
The assessment of mercury exposure can be accomplished through
measurement of mercury, which is useful for assessment of recent
exposure to any of the three forms of mercury. ... Whole Blood
Reference Ranges: Normal - mean level in the general population <8
ug/l; Exposed - BEI (sampling time at end of shift at end of
workweek, measured as total inorganic mercury) 15.0 ug/l. BAT
(biological tolerance value for a working material) for metallic and
inorganic compounds (sampling time not fixed) 50 ug/l; BAT for
organic compounds (sampling time not fixed) 100 ug/l. /Mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1577]**PEER REVIEWED**
The assessment of mercury exposure can be accomplished through
measurement of mercury, which is useful for assessment of recent
exposure to any of the three forms of mercury. ... Whole Blood
Reference Ranges: Toxic - 0.3 ug/100 ml, memory disturbances,
impaired eye-hand coordination; 0.5-3 ug/100 ml, altered
electroencephalograms (EEGs); <1 - >10 ug/deciliter, increased
tremors; 1.4 ug/ ml, decreased immunoglogin G (IgG) and immunoglobin
A (IgA) levels; >1.5 ug/100 ml, disturbances in tests on verbal
intelligence and memory; 1-2 ug/100 ml, increased prevalence of
abnormal psychomotor scores; 1-2 ug/ 100 ml, increased tremors,
impaired eye-hand coordination; >3 ug/100 ml, (estimated threshold
level): increased urinary excretion of beta-galactosidase and high
molecular weight proteins. /Mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1577]**PEER REVIEWED**
The assessment of mercury exposure can be accomplished through
measurement of mercury. However, measurement of mercury in ...
/serum or plasma/ is insensitive because mercury is found primarily
in the red blood cells. Serum or Plasma Reference Ranges: Normal -
not established; Exposed - not established; Toxic - not established.
/Mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1578]**PEER REVIEWED**
The assessment of mercury exposure can be accomplished through
measurement of mercury ... Urine Reference Ranges: Normal - <20.0 ug/l;
Exposed - BEI (sampling time is preshift, measured as total
inorganic mercury) 35.0 ug/g creatinine; Toxic - 3-53 ug/g
creatinine, memory disturbances, impaired eye-hand coordination;
4-53 ug/g creatinine, altered EEGs; 3-272 ug/g creatinine, increased
anti-laminin antibodies (implicated in the etiology of autoimmune
glomerulo-nephritis); 44 ug/g creatinine, decreased Iga and IgG
levels; 73 ug/g creatinine, increased static tremors, difficulty
with heel-to-toe gait; 50-100 ug/g creatinine, increased tremors,
impaired eye-hand coordination; >50 ug/g creatinine (estimated
threshold level), increased urinary excretion of beta-galactosidase
and high molecular weight proteins; 7-1,101 ug/24 hr, abnormal
memory tests, decreased tibial nerve velocity, increased median
nerve latency in both motor and sensory nerves; 0-510 ug/l, short
term memory loss; 5-1,000 ug/l, increased tremor frequency and
reaction time, impaired eye-hand coordination; <10->1,000 ug/l,
increased tremors; 20-450 ug/l, increased motor and sensory nerve
latency; >56 ug/l, disturbances in tests on verbal intelligence and
memory; 100-250 ug/l, increased acetyl beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG)
enzyme levels in urine; >200 ug/l, increased tremors, impaired
eye-hand coordination; 300-1,400 ug/l, nephrotic syndrome,
albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia; 56 ug/g creatinine, no effect
level for proteinuria. /Mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1578]**PEER REVIEWED**
Urine Albumin: Albuminuria has been shown to be a specific marker of
glomerular dysfunction. Tubular damage, however, can also result in
increased levels of albumin in the urine. /Metallic, inorganic and
organic mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1580]**PEER REVIEWED**
Urinary Beta-2-Microglobulin and/or Retinal Binding Protein:
Measurements for the presence of either of these low molecular
weight proteins are useful in detection of early impairment of
proximal tubular function. However, beta-2-microglobulin is unstable
at urinary pH less than 6, and may degrade in the bladder prior to
collection and subsequent neutralization of the urine sample.
Measurement of retinal binding protein appears to be a better marker
for early tubular dysfunction due to its stability in the urine
subsequent to collection and analysis. However, retinal binding
protein is produced in the liver and not a constitutive protein of
the kidney, so that its presence in the kidney provides only
indirect evidence of tubular damage. /Metallic, inorganic and
organic mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1580]**PEER REVIEWED**
Urinary Alpha () and Pi () Isoenzymes of Glutathione S-Transferase:
Radio-immunological and Elisa techniques have been developed for
quantitation of and isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferase, which
are constitutive proteins in the kidney." The isoenzyme is located
only in the proximal tubule, while the isoenzyme is located in the
distal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, and the collecting
ducts of the kidney. Damage to epithelial cell membranes can result
in the increased excretion of these isoenzymes in the urine. This
test for assessing renal tubular damage appears to have many
advantages over other available tests, such as: (1) the and
isoenzymes are constitutive proteins in the kidney; (2) these
isoenzymes are stable in the urine; (3) the test is simple and
reproducible; and (4) due to selective localization of the
isoenzymes, differential diagnosis of specific tubular damage is
possible. In addition, increased levels of these isoenzymes were
seen in patients previously exposed to nephrotoxicants
where'conventional tests for kidney function were normal, indicating
a high degree of sensitivity. /Metallic, inorganic and organic
mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1581]**PEER REVIEWED**
Urinary Enzyme N-Acetylglucosaminidase: This lysosomal enzyme has
shown promise in assessment of subclinical nephrotoxic injury. This
enzyme is not normally filtered at the glomerulus due to its high
molecular weight. In the absence of glomerular injury, this enzyme
will be detected in the urine as a result of leakage or exocytosis
from damaged, stimulated, or exfoliated renal cells. The sensitivity
of measurement for this enzyme has not been thoroughly studied, but
it's usefulness has shown some promise. However, this enzyme is
unstable at urinary pH greater than 8, which could diminish the
sensitivity of the measurement due to enzyme degradation. /Metallic,
inorganic and organic mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1581]**PEER REVIEWED**
Routine Urinalysis: Performing a routine urinalysis including
parameters such as specific gravity, glucose, and microscopic
examination may be useful for assessing renal toxicity. /Metallic,
inorganic and organic mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1581]**PEER REVIEWED**
Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve conduction study;
Electromyography; Quantitative sensory testing; Thermography.
/Metallic, inorganic and organic mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1584]**PEER REVIEWED**
Evaluation of Central Nervous System Effects: Evaluation of CNS
effects can be performed through neuropsychological assessment,
which consists of a clinical interview and administration of
standardized personality and neuropsychological tests. The areas
that the neuropsychology test batteries focus on include the domains
of memory and attention; visuoperceptual, visual scanning,
visuospatial, and visual memory; and motor speed and reaction time.
There is limited data on which components of the test batteries are
best indicators of early CNS effects. /Metallic, inorganic and
organic mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1584]**PEER REVIEWED**
Evaluation of Cranial Neuropathies: Evaluation of cranial nerve
damage, as evidenced by symptoms such as loss of balance, visual
function, smell, taste, or sensation on the face, can be
accomplished through a physical examination focusing on tests such
as: Smell Assessment ... Visual Assessment ... Facial and Trigeminal
Nerve Assessment ... Vestibular Assessment ... Hearing Assessment.
/Metallic, inorganic and organic mercury/
[Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry
(eds.). Toxicology Desk Reference 4th ed. Volumes 1-3. Taylor &
Francis, washington, D.C. 1997.1584]**PEER REVIEWED**
A complete history and physical examination should be performed to
detect existing conditions that might place the exposed employee at
increased risk and to establish a baseline for future health
monitoring. This examination should detect any signs or symptoms of
unacceptable mercury absorption such as weight loss, insomnia,
tremors, personality changes, or other evidence of central nervous
system involvement, as well as evidence of kidney damage. The skin
should be examined for evidence of chronic disorders. Urinalysis
should include at a minimum, specific gravity, albumin, glucose, and
a microscopic examination of centrifuged sediment. Determination of
mercury level in the urine may be helpful in assessing extent of
absorption. /Mercury/
[NIOSH/OSHA; Occupational
Health Guide for Chemical Hazards: Inorganic Mercury (1981) DHHS
Pub. NIOSH 81-123]**PEER REVIEWED**
Routine medical surveillance: periodic medical exams including
analysis of blood and urine for amount of mercury present for all
workers directly involved in production of mercurials, or otherwise
exposed to contact with mercury cmpd or mercury vapor. /Mercury cmpd/
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John
Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.15(81) 167]**PEER REVIEWED**
/SRP: Protect/ from exposure those individuals with diseases of
liver, kidneys, lung, and nerves. /Mercury cmpd/
[ITII. Toxic and Hazarous
Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual. Tokyo, Japan: The International
Technical Information Institute, 1982.315]**PEER REVIEWED**
Preemployment and periodic examinations should be concerned
especially with the skin, respiratory tract, central nervous system
and kidneys. The urine should be examined and urinary mercury levels
determined periodically. Signs of weight loss, gingivitis, tremors,
personality changes and insomnia should be suggestions of possible
mercury intoxication. /Mercury cmpd/
[Sittig, M. Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, 1985. 2nd ed. Park
Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985.571]**PEER REVIEWED**
Medical Surveillance: Placement and periodic physical examinations
should be concerned particularly with the skin, vision, central
nervous system, and kidneys. Consideration should be given to the
possible effects on the fetus of alkyl mercury exposure in the
mother. Constriction of visual fields may be a useful diagnostic
sign. Blood and urine levels of mercury have been studied,
especially in the case of methyl mercury. A precise correlation has
not been found between exposure levels and concentrations. They may
be of some value in indicating that exposure has occurred. /Aryl and
alkyl mercury cmpd/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Recommended medical surveillance: The following medical procedures
should be made available to each employee who is exposed to organo
(alkyl) mercury at potentially hazardous levels: 1) Initial medical
examination: A complete history & physical examination: The purpose
is to detect pre-existing conditions that might place the exposed
employee at increased risk, & to establish a baseline for future
health monitoring. Examination of the CNS, the kidneys, & eyes
should be stressed. The skin should be examined for evidence of
chronic disorders. Blood test: Analysis of the blood for mercury may
be useful in monitoring absorption. Urinalysis: Since kidney damage
has been observed in humans exposed to organo mercury, a urinalysis
should be obtained to include at a minimum specific gravity,
albumin, glucose & a microscopic /examination/ of centrifuged
sediment. 2) Periodic medical examination: The aforementioned
medical examination should be repeated on an annual basis. /Organo
(alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.2]**PEER REVIEWED**
Indicators of exposure & concentrations in the critical organ:
Experimental studies in man & primates have shown that mercury concn
in blood is, under steady-state conditions, linearly correlated to
intake of methylmercury & to the concn of methylmercury in the
critical organ (the brain), at non-toxic body burdens. As more than
90% of methylmercury in blood is to be found in the erythrocytes,
the mercury concn in red cells is the most reliable index of
methylmercury body burden & brain concn. Methylmercury is deposited
in the hair during the formation of pile. The deposition of the
methylmercury in the pile is proportional to the mercury concn in
blood at the time of pile formation. Thus, the mercury concn in the
hair pile constitutes a calendar of mercury concn in blood, which
occurred during formation of the pile. The methylmercury concn in
the hair can be used as an indicator of mercury concn in blood, & in
the critical organ, or body burden of mercury, provided that
allowance is made for the growth rate of the hair pile (about 1 cm a
month, dependent upon age) & for the time lag between hair formation
& extrusion. ... the quotent between methylmercury concn in blood &
hair is 1 to 250. Under occupational conditions the possibility of
external contamination of hair should be kept in mind. /Methylmercury
compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 428]**PEER REVIEWED**
Organic mercury exposure is best monitored by the measurement of
total mercury (or the specific derivative) in whole blood. It has
been recommended that the blood mercury level not be allowed to
exceed 0.10 mg/l in workers exposed to organomercury compounds. /Organomercury
compounds/
[Baselt, R.C. Biological
Monitoring Methods for Industrial Chemicals. 2nd ed. Littleton, MA:
PSG Publishing Co., Inc. 1988.200]**PEER REVIEWED**
Populations at
Special Risk:
Females of child bearing age should not be occupationally exposed to
methyl mercury cmpd. Prenatal life may be the stage of the
life-cycle most sensitive to methyl mercury cmpd. /Methyl mercury
cmpd/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.119 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Children are more susceptible than adults to mercury poisoning.
/Mercury salts/
[Britt DL, Hushon JM;
Biological Effects, Criteria and Standards for Hazardous Pollutants
Associated with Energy Technologies p.6-38 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Persons with a history of allergies or known sensitization to
mercury, chronic respiratory disease, nervous system disorders, or
kidney disorders are at increased risk from exposure.
[NIOSH/OSHA; Occupational
Health Guide for Chemical Hazards: Inorganic Mercury p.1 (1981) DHHS
Pub. NIOSH 81-123]**PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of
Human Exposure:
INHALATION OF VAPOR BY LABORATORY WORKERS IN CLOSED SPACE LED TO
BRONCHIAL IRRITATION /AND CHARACTERISTIC MERCURY POISONING SYMPTOMS/
... CHRONIC MERCURIALISM IN FUR-CUTTING AND FELT-HAT INDUSTRIES /IS
REPORTED/. ALTHOUGH MERCURIC NITRATE WAS MATERIAL USED TO TREAT FUR
FROM WHICH FELT WAS MADE, MERCURY WAS GRADUALLY RELEASED FROM FUR
AND FELT IN FORM OF METALLIC MERCURY VAPOR. ... THE WORKERS HAD
MIXED EXPOSURE TO DUST OF MERCURY CMPD (ESP THE NITRATE) AND TO
VAPOR OF ELEMENT. ... POISONING WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OBSERVED ...
/WITH/ METALLIC MERCURY ONLY.
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.12]**PEER REVIEWED**
Acute poisoning usually results from oral ingestion of highly
dissociated inorganic prepn, but it may also be caused by ...
mercurial ointments applied topically. /MERCURY/
[Gilman, A.G.,
L.S.Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 7th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc., 1985.1611]**PEER REVIEWED**
The dominant food source of mercury in the human diet is fish and
fish products. ... In terms of total Hg, the diet greatly exceeds
other media, including air and water, as a source of human exposure
and absorption of Hg. /Mercury/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.2-4 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Accumulation of mercury in the terrestrial and aquatic food chains
results in risks for man mainly through the consumption of: fish
from contaminated waters; especially predator species, tuna fish,
swordfish and other large oceanic fish even if caught considerably
off shore; other seafoods including muscles and crayfish,
fish-eating birds and mammals; and eggs of fish eating birds.
/Mercury cmpds/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.55 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The EPA has reported that dietary intake is the most important
source of exposure to mercury compounds for the general public(1).
Individuals currently living in proximity to former mercury
production facilities, chloroalkali facilities, municipal and
medical waste incinerators, other mercury-disposal or recycling
facilities, or any hazardous waste sites where mercury compounds
have been detected are at risk of receiving potentially
higher-than-normal background exposure(2). Occupational exposure to
inorganic mercury compounds have been investigated in chloralkali
plants, mercury mines, and refineries. High mercury levels in blood
and urine have been reported for all these occupational exposure
situations, although levels vary according to work environment
conditions(3). The number of workers exposed to different mercury
compounds have been reported. For example, the estimated total
number of workers (number of women workers in parenthesis) exposed
in 1983 to mercury chloride and mercuric sulfide was 45,492 (18,717)
and 98 (0), respectively(2).
[(1) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990) (2) ATSDR;
Toxicological Profile for Mercury p. 312 (1998) Research Triangle
Institute 205-93-0606 (1998) (3) WHO; Inorganic Mercury -
Environmental Health Criteria 118. Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 168 (1991)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Average Daily
Intake:
The intake of total dietary mercury (Hg) has been measured ... over
a number of years for various age groups. The average daily intake
over the period 1973 to 1982 has been in the range of 2000 to 7000
ng Hg for adults and up to 1000 ng Hg for toddlers and infants. The
most recent figures (fiscal year 1981-82) were 3000 ng Hg for
adults, 1000 ng Hg for toddlers, and less than 1000 ng Hg for
infants. /Total mercury/
[Gartrell M; US
Environmental Protection Agency Profile No ECAO-HA-83-3 as cited in
USEPA; Mercury Health Effects Update p.3-20 (1984) EPA
600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Assuming an ambient air level of 50 ng/cu m, the average daily
intake of metallic mercury vapor would amount to 1 ug/day due to
inhalation. ... The average daily intake of those sub-groups of the
general population living in specially polluted areas is difficult
to estimate with any accuracy. ... Daily intake from occupational
exposure is almost impossible to estimate because of the wide
variation in exposure conditions in industry. /Total mercury/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.64 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The estimated daily intakes of inorganic mercury compounds and
methylmercury for the general population are 4.3 ug/day and 2.41 ug/day,
respectively(1). Mercury intake from drinking-water was estimated to
be approximately 50 ng/day and the mercury ingested is in the
inorganic form (ie. mercuric chloride)(1). It is estimated that
average daily intake of inorganic mercury compounds by the general
population through ambient air, through the consumption of fish,
non-fish food, and drinking water is 0.002 ug/day, 0.600 ug/day, 3.6
ug/day and 0.050 ug/day, respectively(2).
[(1) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990) (2) ATSDR;
Toxicological Profile for Mercury p. 343. Research Triangle
Institute 205-93-0606 (1998)]**PEER REVIEWED**
ATMOSPHERIC INTAKE: 0.14 ug/day total mercury (elemental and methyl
mercury) (assuming an avg ambient concn 7 ng/cu m)(1). FOOD INTAKE:
16.3 ug/day total mercury (assuming avg mercury concn in fish, 0.4
ug/g and an avg concn in other foods, 0.004 ug/g(1)).
[(1) Bennett BG; IARC 71:
115-28 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Emergency Medical Treatment:
Antidote and
Emergency Treatment:
If this chemical gets into the eyes, irrigate immediately. If this
chemical contacts the skin, wash with soap immediately. If a person
breathes in large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person
to fresh air at once and perform artificial respiration. When this
chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large
quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious
person vomit. /Methyl mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
In acute ingestions of inorganic salts, decontamination of the
gastrointestinal tract to prevent further absorption and corrosion
should be accomplished as rapidly as possible. The patient's
condition dictates whether syrup of ipecac or lavage should be used
to empty the stomach. A protein solution to bind the mercury, such
as egg whites, or 5 percent salt-poor albumin or 5 percent sodium
formaldehyde sulfoxylate to reduce mercuric ion to the less soluble
mercurous ion may be used as lavage fluid. This should be followed
by a saliine cathartic (unless diarrhea has already ensued) and 20
to 50 grams of activated charcoal. Start BAL (British antilewisite)
administration, ... . Monitor eletrolytes, fluid balance, and renal
function carefully. Obtain blood and urine mercury levels,
collecting all urine in appropriate containers in timed aliquots.
When potentially toxic doses have been taken, peritoneal dialysis
(with 5% salt-poor albumin added) or hemodialysis established early
in the course concurrent with BAL administration may remove 10 to
15% of the ingested mercury and, even more importantly, relieve the
kidneys and treat any uremia caused by the reversible kidney damage.
It has been the practice to wait until the almost inevitable (since
the kidney is the primary site of deposition) anuria occurs to start
dialysis. Limited experience suggests an advantage of instituting
dialysis within the first 24 hours before maximal renal mercury
concentrations can occur on the second day. This also may assist in
controlling fluid and electrolyte imbalance as circulatory collapse
accentuates the toxic tubular lesions. Dialysis may have to be
continued over several days. If blood and urine mercury levels are
still elevated following the course of BAL and return of renal
function, a course of the oral chelating agent N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine
or, if this is not available, penicillamine, 35 to 100 mg/kg/24 hr
(not to exceed 1 g/24 hr) divided into four doses a day, may be
given on an empty stomach. Urine mercury levels should be monitored
to determine when to stop chelation. /Inorganic mercury salts/
[Haddad, L.M., Clinical
Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA:
W.B. Saunders Co., 1990.1006]**PEER REVIEWED**
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Toxicity Summary:
IDENTIFICATION: In its elemental form, mercury is a heavy silvery
liquid at room temperature and has a very high vapour pressure.
Mercury vapor is more soluble in plasma, whole blood, and hemoglobin
than in distilled water, where it dissolves only slightly. The major
natural sources of mercury are degassing of the earth's crust,
emissions from volcanoes, and evaporation from natural bodies of
water. (The world-wide mining of mercury is estimated to yield about
10,000 tons per year. The activities lead to some losses of mercury
and direct discharges to the atmosphere). Other important sources
are fossil fuel combustion, metal sulfide ore smelting, gold
refining, cement production, refuse incineration, and industrial
applications of metals. A major use of mercury is as a cathode in
the electrolysis of sodium chloride. Mercury is used in the
electrical industry, in control instruments in the home and
industry, and in laboratory and medical instruments. A very large
amount of mercury is used for the extraction of gold. Dental silver
amalgam for tooth filling contains large amounts of mercury. Use of
skin-lightening soap and creams can give rise to substantial mercury
exposure. Occupational exposure to inorganic mercury has been
investigated in chloralkali plants, mercury mines, thermometer
factories, refineries, and in dental clinics. High mercury levels
have been reported for all these occupational exposure situations,
although levels vary according to work environment conditions. HUMAN
EXPOSURE: The general population is primarily exposed to mercury
through the diet and dental amalgam. Acute inhalation exposure to
mercury vapor may be followed by chest pains, dyspnea, coughing,
hemoptysis, and sometimes interstitial pneumonitis leading to death.
(The ingestion of mercuric compounds, in particular mercuric
chloride, has caused ulcerative gastroenteritis and acute tubular
necrosis causing death from anuria where dialysis was not
available). The central nervous system is the critical organ for
mercury vapor exposure. Subacute exposure has given rise to
psychotic reactions characterized by delerium, hallucinations, and
suicidal tendency. Occupational exposure has resulted in erethism as
the principal feature of a broad ranging functional disturbance. The
kidney is the critical organ following the ingestion of inorganic
divalent mercury salts. Occupational exposure to metallic mercury
has long been associated with the development of proteinuria. Both
metallic mercury vapor and mercury compounds have given rise to
contact dermatitis. Mercurial pharmaceuticals have been responsible
for Pink disease (acrodynia) in children, and mercury vapor exposure
may be a cause of "Kawasaki" disease. Results of both human and
animal studies indicate that about 80% of inhaled metallic mercury
vapour is retained by the body, whereas liquid metallic mercury is
poorly absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract. ANIMAL STUDIES:
Evidence of damage to brain, kidney, heart, and lungs have been
reported in rabbits exposed acutely to metallic mercury vapor at
certain concentrations. Both reversible and irreversible toxic
effects may be caused by mercury and its compounds. In two studies,
tremor and behavioural effects were observed in rabbits and rats
after several weeks of exposure to metallic mercury vapour.
Depending upon the animal strain tested, either auto-immunity or
immunosuppression is observed. The most sensitive adverse effect
caused by mercuric mercury is the formation of
mercuric-mercury-induced auto-immune glomerulonephritis. Mercuric
chloride was found to induce gene mutations in mouse lymphoma cells
and DNA damage in rat and mouse fibroblasts. The World Health
Organization reported no evidence that inorganic mercury is
carcinogenic. The neurotoxic effect seen after exposure to metallic
mercury vapour is attributable to the divalent mercury ion formed
through oxidation in the brain tissue. Significantly more mercury is
transported to the brain of mice and monkeys after the inhalation of
elemental mercury than after the intravenous injection of equivalent
doses of the mercuric form.
[World Health
Organization/International Programme on Chemical Safety.
Environmental Health Criteria 118 Inorganic Mercury. pp. 13-21,
68-83 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Evidence for
Carcinogenicity:
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the
carcinogenicity of mercury and mercury compounds. There is
inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity
of metallic mercury. There is limited evidence in experimental
animals for the carcinogenicity of mercuric chloride. There is
sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity
of methylmercury chloride. In making the overall evaluation, the
Working Group took into account evidence that methylmercury
compounds are similar with regard to absorption, distribution,
metabolism, excretion, genotoxicity and other forms of toxicity.
Overall evaluation: Methylmercury compounds are possibly
carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Metallic mercury and inorganic
mercury compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity
to humans. (Group 3). /Mercury and mercury compounds/
[IARC. Monographs on the
Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Geneva:
World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on
Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work).V58 324 (1993)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Non-Human Toxicity
Excerpts:
Mercuric salts in vitro enhanced the viral transformations of
hamster cells and reduced the molecular weight of DNA in Chinese
hamster ovary cells, but did not produce mutagenesis in
non-mammalian cells. /Mercuric salts/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.5-14 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Some of the observations made from the mercury toxicity study were
that Hg(2+) cmpd are more toxic than the Hg(1+) cmpds via all the
administration routes (except Hg(NO3)2 via ip route); No species
resistance to oral LD was observed; The order of toxicity via ip
administration practically showed the same toxicity as observed oral
administration; Toxicity of Hg(2+) cmpd were less uniform than
Hg(1+) cmpd; And solubility of the cmpd had no effect on the
toxicity. As an example, water-soluble HgNO3 was 7-fold less toxic
than Hg(NO3)2, while on the other hand being less toxic than the
insoluble HgCl.
[Trakhtenberg
IM et al; Gig Tr Prof Zabol 7: 27-30 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The toxic effects of various Hg cmpd (eg, mercurous chloride,
mercuric chloride, mercuric acetate, and phenylmercury acetate) on
percentage germination, pigment concn, root-shoot lengths, and fresh
wt & dry wt of 7-day-old seedlings of barley were investigated.
Phenylmercury acetate was the most toxic, followed by mercuric
acetate, while mercurous chloride was the least toxic.
[Mukhiya YK et al; Int J
Environ Stud 20 (3-4): 323-327 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Studies were carried out on male Wistar rats, where the activity of
acetylcholinesterase was determined in red blood cells and bone
marrow after exposure to organic and inorganic mercury cmpd. A
marked decline in the activity of the enzyme was noted, along with a
more pronounced effect of the organic mercury cmpd.
[Miszta H; Folia Haematol
111 (5): 632-637 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE INSECTICIDAL ACTION OF MERCURY SALTS WAS RELATED TO THEIR
DECOMPOSITION BY SOIL ORGANISMS AND RELEASE OF MERCURY VAPORS. THIS
REACTION REQUIRED MOISTURE AND PROCEEDED MORE RAPIDLY AS SOIL PH AND
TEMPERATURE WAS INCREASED. /MERCURY SALTS/
[Menzie, C.M. Metabolism
of Pesticides. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife, Publication 127. Washington, DC: U.S.
Government Printing Office, 1969.240]**PEER REVIEWED**
DISCOLORATION OF CORNEA ... PRODUCED EXPTL IN ANIMALS BY REPEATED
SYSTEMIC ADMIN OF MERCURY. ... IT CONSISTS OF GRAYISH RING IN CORNEA
JUST ANTERIOR TO ENDOTHELIUM EXTENDING APPROX 2 MM FROM LIMBUS. /INORG
MERCURY/
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology
of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher,
1986.583]**PEER REVIEWED**
Repeated oral admin of monovalent & divalent mercury compounds to
rats 5 times/wk produced similar changes in affected organs. Most of
the compounds primarily caused dystrophic changes of different
degree in kidney, liver & myocardium. In remaining organs the
changes were insignificant. Monovalent compounds were more toxic
than divalent compounds. /An exception being/ mercuric chloride was
more toxic than mercurous chloride. Varying degrees of lesions &
selective toxic effects are due to the anions.
[Samoilov AP et al; Vrach
Delo (9): 107-9 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Among water-sol mercury compounds, mercurous nitrate had the least
toxicity in rats & mice by way of stomach & caused severe diarrhea.
Pathomorphological changes caused by mercuric chloride, mercuric
acetate, & mercurous nitrate were similar, but mercuric chloride was
most toxic in stomach, liver, & kidney as most sensitive organs.
/Soluble mercury cmpd/
[Grins N et al; Gig Sanit
(8): 12-4 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
... Long term exposure to inorganic mercury (II) indicates that
concn above 0.23 ug/l caused significant effects on the fathead
minnow and caused the concn of total mercury in the whole body to
exceed 1.0 mg/kg. /Mercuric salts/
[USEPA; Ambient Water
Quality Criteria Doc: Mercury p.22 (1984) EPA 440/5-84-026]**PEER
REVIEWED**
... Exposure of mice to organic Hg increased susceptibility to
infection by Salmonella enteritidis. /Organic Hg/
[Miller R et al; Am Zool
16: 261 (1976) as cited in Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effects of
Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.117 (1979) NRCC No.
16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Organomercurial compounds in solution culture produced c-mitoses in
the cells of growing root tips: 0.015 ppm Hg as methyl mercury
dicyandiamide produced 98 and 63% c-mitoses in root tips of
Tradescantia fluminensis and Vicia faba, respectively, while 0.01
ppm of the same compound was the maximum amount not causing
c-mitoses in the roots of Allium cepa. /Organomercurial compounds/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.104 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
... Aquatic plants appear more sensitive to the effects of organic
Hg: photosynthesis and growth of marine diatoms and freshwater
phytoplankton were inhibited in the presence of 0.1 ppb organic Hg.
/Organic Hg/
[Harriss RC et al;
Science 170: 736-737 (1970) as cited in Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.104 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
CONCENTRATED SOLN /OF PHENYLMERCURIC SALTS/ ARE IRRITATING TO SKIN &
INJURIOUS TO CORNEA /OF RABBITS/ . SEVERE REACTION IS INDUCED BY 0.1
MOLAR PHENYLMERCURIC CHLORIDE. /PHENYLMERCURIC SALTS/
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology
of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher,
1986.728]**PEER REVIEWED**
EXPTL EVIDENCE FROM ANIMAL STUDIES /ON PATHOGENETIC MECHANISM OF
ANURIA & POLYURIA/ SUGGESTS THAT SEVERAL FACTORS ARE INVOLVED. THESE
ARE TUBULAR OBSTRUCTION, INCR BACK DIFFUSION OF TUBULAR FILTRATE, &
PREGLOMERULAR VASOCONSTRICTION. /MERCURIC SALTS/
[Doull, J., C.D. Klaassen,
and M. D. Amdur (eds.). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 2nd ed. New
York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1980.426]**PEER REVIEWED**
The mercurial seed dressings have been responsible for numerous
outbreaks of poisoning ... /because/ grain treated with them ...
/have/ been mistakenly used as food ... More frequently ... the
outbreaks have been on a smaller scale, & occasioned by the feeding
of a sack or sacks of treated grain to farm stock, commonly pigs.
There is normally a lapse of several weeks between the beginning of
the feeding of the grain & the sudden onset of clinical signs, but
death is usually rapid once these, which may include anorexia,
ataxia, diarrhea, petechial hemorrhage, blindness & nervous signs,
have set in. /Organic mercury compounds/
[Clarke, M. L., D. G.
Harvey and D. J. Humphreys. Veterinary Toxicology. 2nd ed. London:
Bailliere Tindall, 1981.62]**PEER REVIEWED**
... studies with mice & rats revealed organo mercurials to produce
gastro-, pancreo-, hepato-, cardio-, & gonadotoxic effects. The
immunocompetent system of the animals was involved in the
pathological process as well as the endocrine system & the CNS.
/Mercury, alkyl compounds/
[American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the
Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed.
Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.893]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Effects on reproduction: There is no doubt about the injury of the
fetus produced by alkyl mercury. However, the basis for it is
unclear. For example, it has been reported that young rats cleared
methyl mercury more readily than their dams, or that the infant rate
was less than 1% of the adult rate. /Alkyl mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.21]**PEER REVIEWED**
In subacute & chronic poisonings & probably sometimes in the late
stages of acute poisonings, these organomercurials /aryl &
alkoxyalkyl mercury/ appear to produce intoxication syndromes that
are in practice indistinguishable from those induced by inorganic
mercury. For example, renal damage has been reported in rats & mice
given repeated parenteral doses of phenylmercuric salts & of
alkoxyalkyl mercurials. /Aryl and alkoxyalkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-266]**PEER REVIEWED**
Four daily doses of wheat dressed with methoxyethylmercury silicate
at a level of 20 mg Hg/kg were lethal for sheep. /Methoxyethylmercury
silicate/
[Clarke, M. L., D. G.
Harvey and D. J. Humphreys. Veterinary Toxicology. 2nd ed. London:
Bailliere Tindall, 1981.62]**PEER REVIEWED**
During the period of MeHg use in Sweden, fish also were found to be
contaminated with Hg: >0.2 ppm Hg was from the majority of Swedish
fresh and coastal waters ... . In part, this appears to have
resulted from the use of phenylmercury acetate (PMA) as a slimicide
by pulp mills. Warning against the use of PMA had been issued in
Sweden in 1947 ... . /Mercury/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961049]**PEER REVIEWED**
Non-Human Toxicity
Values:
LD50 Mouse ip 8 mg/kg /PhHg/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961057]**PEER REVIEWED**
LD50 Mouse ip 5 mg/kg /Hg2+/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961057]**PEER REVIEWED**
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism/Metabolites:
Mercurous mercury is rather unstable in presence of biological
molecules. In presence of sulfhydryl groups it undergoes
disproportionation to one atom of metallic mercury & to one ion of
mercuric mercury. /MERCUROUS SALTS/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.390]**PEER REVIEWED**
FROM A CELL-FREE EXTRACT OF MERCURY-RESISTANT PSEUDOMONAS, AN ENZYME
WAS OBTAINED WHICH CATALYZED REDUCTION OF MERCURY IN ... INORG
MERCURIALS TO METALLIC MERCURY. A PROSTHETIC GROUP OF THE ENZYME WAS
IDENTIFIED AS FAD (FLAVINE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE). /INORGANIC
MERCURIALS/
[Menzie, C. M. Metabolism
of Pesticides, An Update. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish,
Wild-life Service, Special Scientific Report - Wildlife No. 184,
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, l974.239]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Mercuric ion, Hg(2+) can be methylated by both aerobic and anaerobic
bacteria. /Mercuric ion/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.33 (1976)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
ALL ORGANO-MERCURIALS TESTED APPARENTLY RELEASE INORGANIC MERCURY IN
ANIMAL TISSUES; BUT THE DIFFERENT MERCURIALS RELEASE DIVALENT
MERCURY AT WIDELY VARYING RATES AFTER ADMINISTRATION TO ANIMALS. /ORGANO-MERCURIALS/
[Menzie, C. M. Metabolism
of Pesticides, An Update. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish,
Wild-life Service, Special Scientific Report - Wildlife No. 184,
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, l974.242]**PEER
REVIEWED**
DISPOSITION OF PHENYL MERCURY IS ESSENTIALLY SAME AS FOR INORGANIC
MERCURY. ... CARBON-MERCURY BOND IS RAPIDLY CLEAVED IN VIVO,
YIELDING BENZENE & HG2+. BENZENE IS SUBSEQUENTLY OXIDIZED TO PHENOL,
CONJUGATED & EXCRETED. /PHENYL MERCURY/
[Doull, J., C.D. Klaassen,
and M. D. Amdur (eds.). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 2nd ed. New
York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1980.423]**PEER REVIEWED**
The organic mercury compounds can be divided into mercurials which
are relatively stable, & those which rapidly split in the mammalian
body. The pharmaceutically used short-chain alkylmercury compounds &
diuretic mercurials, which are mainly excreted conjugated or
unchanged by the kidneys, belong to the former group. /Organic
mercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 389]**PEER REVIEWED**
It is generally assumed that differences in the distribution &
storage of organic mercury pesticides are due, at least in part, to
differences in solubility & perhaps to steric factors. Another
factor is the greater stability of alkyl compounds ... Methyl
mercury ... is metabolized to inorganic mercury, but the rate is
much slower than for phenyl or methoxyalkyl compounds. /Organic
mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.15]**PEER REVIEWED**
The carbon-to-mercury bond is rather unstable in vivo. Within 24 hr
after dosing test animals, all of the mercury was the inorganic
mercuric ion. /Methoxyethylmercuric chloride/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.II-137]**PEER REVIEWED**
Absorption,
Distribution & Excretion:
In the case of inorganic divalent mercury, approx 15% of an oral,
non-toxic dose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in adults
and retained in body tissues. /Inorganic Hg/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.4-32 (1984) EPA-600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Therapeutic or Normal Blood Level: The concn of organic mercury in
blood (its serum or plasma) following therapeutically effective
dosage in humans is 0.0-0.008 mg%; 0.0-0.080 ug/ml. /Organic
mercury/
[Winek, C.L. Drug and
Chemical Blood-Level Data 1985. Pittsburgh, PA: Allied Fischer
Scientific, 1985.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Increasing the Hg level in soil by addition of ... inorganic
mercurials can lead to modest increases in the Hg content of plants.
For example ... addition of ... mercuric chloride ... to Canadian
prairie soil increased the Hg content of alfalfa 3-10 times over
control level of 0.07 ppm (dry weight basis). /Inorganic mercurials/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.104 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
MERCURY MOVES READILY ACROSS THE PLACENTA INTO FETAL TISSUE.
REGARDLESS OF THE CHEMICAL FORM ADMIN, FETAL TISSUES ATTAIN CONCN OF
MERCURY AT LEAST EQUAL TO THOSE OF THE MOTHER. /INORGANIC MERCURY
SALTS/
[Doull, J., C.D.Klassen,
and M.D. Amdur (eds.). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 3rd ed., New
York: Macmillan Co., Inc., 1986.606]**PEER REVIEWED**
Inorganic mercury has a markedly nonuniform distribution after
absorption. The highest concentration of mercury is found in the
kidneys, where the metal is retained longer than in other tissues.
Concn of inorganic mercury are similar in whole blood and plasma.
Inorganic mercurials do not readily pass the blood-brain barrier or
the placenta. The metal is excreted in the urine and feces.
/Inorganic mercury cmpd/
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1656]**PEER REVIEWED**
The studies were carried out on male Wistar rats, where the activity
of acetylcholinesterase was determined in red cells and bone marrow
under the influence of organic and inorganic mercury cmpd. A marked
depression in the activity of the enzyme was noted, with a more
pronounced effect of the organic mercury cmpd.
[Miszta H; Folia Haematol
111 (5): 632-637 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**
CHEM ANALYSES SHOWING ACCUMULATION OF MERCURY IN LENS /OF EYE/ IN
MERCURIALENTIS HAVE BEEN REPORTED ... /MERCURY SALTS/
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology
of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher,
1986.583]**PEER REVIEWED**
IN VIEW OF ANIMAL DATA, OTHER ORGANS OR CELLS /BESIDES KIDNEY/ WHERE
MERCURY IS LIKELY TO ACCUMULATE ARE LIVER, MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF
INTESTINAL TRACT, & EPITHELIUM OF SKIN, SPLEEN, INTERSTITIAL CELLS
OF TESTICLES, & SOME PARTS OF BRAIN. IN ANIMAL EXPT, PLACENTA &
FETAL MEMBRANE ... ACCUMULATE & RETAIN MERCURY.
[Friberg, L., G.R.
Nordberg, and V.B. Vouk. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. New
York: Elsevier North Holland, 1979.517]**PEER REVIEWED**
... MERCURIC MERCURY IS EXCRETED BY ... SWEAT GLANDS, LACRIMAL
GLANDS, MAMMARY GLANDS, & SALIVARY GLANDS. MAJOR PART ... IS
EXCRETED IN URINE & FECES. PARTITION BETWEEN THESE TWO ROUTES IS
DOSE-DEPENDENT & DATA INDICATE A LARGER FRACTION EXCRETED BY URINE
UPON ADMIN OF LARGER DOSES.
[Friberg, L., G.R.
Nordberg, and V.B. Vouk. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. New
York: Elsevier North Holland, 1979.517]**PEER REVIEWED**
IF HG2+ SALTS REMAIN IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT LONG ENOUGH OR IF
SUBJECT IS EXPOSED TO HG2+ SALTS FOR A LONG TIME ... THE SKIN
READILY ABSORBS MERCURY SALTS ... INORG MERCURY HAS ... AFFINITY
TOWARD THIOL GROUPS OF SOFT TISSUE PROTEINS ...
[Venugopal, B. and T.D.
Luckey. Metal Toxicity in Mammals, 2. New York: Plenum Press,
1978.90]**PEER REVIEWED**
ABSORPTION FROM INTESTINAL TRACT IS GREATER WITH INORG THAN ORG FORM
OF MERCURY. BY INHALATION OF INORG MERCURY ... CONCN RANGING FROM
2.91 TO 26.18 MG/CU M, AN AVG OF 24.16% OF THAT INHALED WAS
ABSORBED.
[Browning, E. Toxicity of
Industrial Metals. 2nd ed. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts,
1969.227]**PEER REVIEWED**
... Aryl- and alkylmercury fungicides applied to rice leaves were
absorbed and eventually accumulate in rice grains where 11-17% of
the Hg was in organic form. Total Hg residues in treated rice were
in the range 0.05-0.6 ppm. /Aryl-and alkylmercury fungicides/
[Fukunaga K et al;
Environmental Toxicology of Pesticides; Matsumara F, Boush GM, eds
(1972) as cited in Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effects of Mercury
in the Canadian Environment p.101 (1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Phenylmercury absorbed through the skin from contaminated diapers
affected urinary excretion in infants in Buenos Aires. The effects
were reversible and quantitatively related to the concn of urinary
Hg. Excretion of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, an enzyme in the
brush-borders of renal tubular cells, increased in a dose-dependent
manner when Hg excretion exceeded a threshold value. Urine volume
also increased but at a higher threshold with respect to Hg. The
results support the threshold concept of the systemic toxicity of
metals. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is a useful and sensitive
marker for preclinical effects of mercury. /Phenylmercury cmpd/
[Gotelli CA et al;
Science 227 (4687): 638-640 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
INORGANIC MERCURIAL SALTS AND ... PHENYL MERCURIC SALTS ARE SIMILAR
IN MANY RESPECTS. ... A LARGER PORTION OF MERCURY IS ABSORBED AFTER
ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF PHENYL MERCURIC SALTS. ... VIRTUALLY ALL ...
MERCURY IN ... KIDNEYS IS PRESENT AS INORGANIC MERCURY FOLLOWING
DOSES OF PHENYL MERCURY ... /PHENYL MERCURIC SALTS/
[Casarett, L.J., and J.
Doull. Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. New York: MacMillan
Publishing Co., 1975.486]**PEER REVIEWED**
PHENYL MERCURY EVIDENTLY PENETRATES CELL MEMBRANES MORE EASILY THAN
HG2+. ... ABOUT 90% OF PHENYL MERCURY IN BLOOD IS FOUND IN RED
CELLS. HOWEVER NEITHER PHENYL MERCURY NOR METHOXYETHYL MERCURY IS
TRANSFERRED THROUGH BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER OR PLACENTAL BARRIER TO
LARGER EXTENT THAN HG2+. /PHENYL MERCURY/
[Friberg, L., G.R.
Nordberg, and V.B. Vouk. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. New
York: Elsevier North Holland, 1979.524]**PEER REVIEWED**
... PHENYLMERCURIC CMPD ACT DIFFUSELY ON CAPILLARY ENDOTHELIUM &
SPECIFICALLY @ SITES OF EXCRETION- THE KIDNEY, COLON & MOUTH. /PHENYLMERCURIC
CMPD/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S.
Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc. 1980.1624]**PEER REVIEWED**
... PHENYLMERCURY CMPD ... DECOMP TO INORG MERCURY DERIV IN BODY ...
EARLY AFTER ADMIN, DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF PHENYL MERCURY CHLORIDE
IN ORGANS & BLOOD ARE MORE SIMILAR TO ... ALKYLMERCURIALS THAN ...
/MERCURY CHLORIDE/ ... LATER PERIOD ... DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS BECOME
SIMILAR TO ... MERCURY CHLORIDE. /PHENYLMERCURY CMPD/
[Menzie, C. M. Metabolism
of Pesticides, An Update. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish,
Wild-life Service, Special Scientific Report - Wildlife No. 184,
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, l974.243]**PEER
REVIEWED**
ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION, & EXCRETION OF HG OF ORG MERCURIALS IS
DETERMINED BY PHYSICOCHEMICAL FACTORS & EXTENT OF IN-VIVO CONVERSION
TO INORG HG. /ORGANIC MERCURIALS/
[Goodman, L.S., and A.
Gilman. (eds.) The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 5th ed.
New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1975.935]**PEER REVIEWED**
Alkyl mercury compounds affect the central nervous system and
accumulate in the brain. The elimination of these compounds (alkyl
mercury) from the body is somewhat slower than the inorganic mercury
compounds. ... /Alkyl mercury compounds/
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John
Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.15(81) 167]**PEER REVIEWED**
Methylmercury compounds can be absorbed by inhalation. Vapors of
methylmercury salts readily penetrate the membranes of the lung, &
the absorption rate can be estimated to be around 80%. In cases of
exposure to alkylmercury salt aerosols, the absorption rate would be
dependent on particle size & on the rate of deposition in the
respiratory tract. /Organic mercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 418]**PEER REVIEWED**
Absorption of alkylmercury compounds by the skin is likely to occur.
The rate will be dependent on the type of compound, the concn & the
condition of the skin. /Organic mercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 419]**PEER REVIEWED**
Alkyl & aryl mercury compounds ... are transported mainly in assoc
with the erythrocytes. ... There is striking differences in the
distribution & storage of different classes of organic mercury
compounds, & this appears to be the basis for the differences in
their toxic effects when given in repeated doses. /Organic mercury
compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.15]**PEER REVIEWED**
In two fatal cases involving ethyl mercury in Iraq, 8 to 10 ppm were
found in the kidney, 6 to 7 ppm in liver, 3 to 5 ppm in cerebellum &
15 ppm in blood. /Alkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-268]**PEER REVIEWED**
The difference in excretion rate of different forms of mercury each
tagged with (203)mercury was explained at least in part by finding
that, whereas inorganic mercury was excreted in the bile of rats
only with substances of high molecular wt, both methyl mercury &
phenyl mercury were excreted with substances of both high & low
molecular wt. The rate of enterohepatic circulation of (203)Hg
increased, but its total excretion from rats decreased in proportion
to its assoc with low molecular wt substances in the bile. It was
thought likely that the difference depended on the rate of
resorption of the high & low molecular materials from the intestine.
/Organic mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.16]**PEER REVIEWED**
Perhaps because these various forms of organic mercury /aryl &
alkoxyalkyl mercury/ are so rapaidly converted to inorganic mercury,
they do not appear to cross the blood-brain barrier appreciably.
Thus, shortly after single exposures the brains of laboratory
mammals contain much less mercury than do other organs & tissues;
kidneys & liver accumulate the major burden. With time the retained
mercury is redistributed, so that the blood/brain concentration
ratio falls toward 1.0. As with inorganic salts of mercury, repeated
exposure to these organomercurials causes slow but progressive
increases in brain levels of mercury. /Aryl and alkoxyalkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-267]**PEER REVIEWED**
Very slow elimination of mercury was observed in the deposit-feeding
bivalve macoma balthica from the chronically polluted area, and
approximately 6% of the total mercury methyl mercury chloride plus
PhHgCl. This is >3-fold lower than found in mytilus edulis from the
same collecting site. A difference in the mercury (Hg) speciation (ie
total Hg, total organic Hg, methyl mercury chloride and PhHgCl) in
mytilus Edulis from the 2 Hg-polluted areas is thought to reflect
the different character of the Hg pollution in the areas.
[Riisgaerd HU et al; Mar
Biol 86 (1): 55-62 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
ABSORPTION FROM INTESTINAL TRACT IS GREATER WITH INORG THAN ORG FORM
OF MERCURY. BY INHALATION OF INORG MERCURY ... CONCN RANGING FROM
2.91 TO 26.18 MG/CU M, AN AVG OF 24.16% OF THAT INHALED WAS
ABSORBED. /MERCURY CMPD/
[Browning, E. Toxicity of
Industrial Metals. 2nd ed. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts,
1969.227]**PEER REVIEWED**
ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION, & EXCRETION OF HG OF ORG MERCURIALS IS
DETERMINED BY PHYSICOCHEMICAL FACTORS & EXTENT OF IN-VIVO CONVERSION
TO INORG MERCURY. /ORGANIC MERCURIALS/
[Goodman, L.S., and A.
Gilman. (eds.) The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 5th ed.
New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1975.935]**PEER REVIEWED**
Neutron-activated mercury (Hg) was admin by gavage to female BALB/c
mice. Counts of (197) Hg and (103) Hg in the whole body, urine, and
feces were followed for up to 36 days. Elimination of Hg fitted a
3-compartment model. Nonpregnant mice eliminated approx 87.5% of the
dose at a fast rate (half-life= 9 hr), 12% at an intermediate rate
(half-life= 2 days), and 0.5% at a slow rate (half-life= 5 days).
Each half-time was about 7 times shorter than the corresponding
half-time fitted to published data on rats. Mice were also faster
than humans in eliminating the ingested Hg. Pregnancy slowed down
the intermediate rate of elimination. The total admin dose was
recovered from feces and urine in a 9:1 ratio. Organ weights and Hg
burdens were measured after serial sacrifice. Peak concentrations
were reached within 2 days, with highest levels in kidneys followed
by placenta and livers. In brains, peak concentrations were delayed
and low. Subsequent losses of Hg differed widely in rate constants,
with fastest overall rates in the brain, intestine, and integument,
followed in order by whole body, liver, and kidneys. Ten days after
dosing, Hg concn ratios of placenta to 17-day-old fetus were 20:1;
11 days after dosing, and with <2% of body burden remaining, body
concn ratios of mother to neonate were 4:1. ... Rapid elimination
coupled with a placental barrier shielded fetuses from equilibrating
with the peak concns of Hg found in dams after a single dose.
[Berg GG, Smith BS; J Am
Coll Toxicol 2 (4): 307-17 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Therapeutic or Normal Blood Level: The concn of inorganic mercury
the blood (serum or plasma) following therapeutically effective
dosage in humans is: 0.018-0.062 mg%; 0.18-0.62 ug/ml. /Inorganic
mercury/
[Winek CL; Drug &
Chemical Blood Level Data Mercury (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
In the case of inorganic divalent mercury, approx 15% of an oral,
non-toxic dose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and
retained in body tissues. /Inorganic divalent mercury/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.4-32 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
The rate of aryl and inorganic Hg excretion is similar to and
considerably faster than that of MeHg. In the rat, it has been
reported that 90% of a single iv dose of PhHg or inorganic Hg is
eliminated in 20 d, whereas MeHg requires in excess of 150 d ... .
In the case of the organomercurials, rate of excretion is affected
by rate of biotransformation to Hg+. /Aryl and inorganic Hg/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961071]**PEER REVIEWED**
A large body of evidence indicates that the kinetics of mercurial
excretion are influenced by the nature of the compound and the
animal species under investigation (e.g., Mercury in the
environment). ... In all species investigated, short-chain alkyl
mercurials are excreted at a slower rate than other compound with
the half-life of MeHg excretion ranging from 8 d in the mouse to
approximately 1000 d in certain species of fish and shellfish ... .
/Mercurials/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961071]**PEER REVIEWED**
Inorganic mercury is eliminated mainly in the urine and feces ... .
Urinary elimination of mercury after intake of methyl mercury is
only about 10%. With an average intake of methyl mercury with food
of a few micrograms per day in the general population, this form of
Hg should contribute relatively little to the urinary excretion of
Hg. Uptake of inorganic Hg from sources other than amalgam fillings
is of minor importance ... Urinary data from Swedish subjects
confirm a limited effect from non amalgam sources of mercury on
urinary excretion of mercury ... . /Inorganic mercury/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
1996473]**PEER REVIEWED**
Elimination of mercury is influenced by the transformation of the
methylmercury and the ensuing tissue distribution. Excretion of
elemental and divalent mercury occurs primarily in the urine and
feces, with an elimination half life of 40 to 60 days. The bile and
feces are the major routes of excretion for methylmercury.
Methylmercury is reabsorbed from the gut, and enterohepatic
circulation is present. The excretion half life is about 70 days.
The half times in specific organs, most notably the brain, may be
much longer. /Mercury/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E.
Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley
& Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2130-31]**PEER REVIEWED**
Biological
Half-Life:
The average biological half-time of a tracer dose of divalent
inorganic mercury compounds in man is 42 days for the whole body and
26 days for blood.
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.2-5 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
The metal is excreted in the urine and feces with a half-life of
about 60 days. /Inorganic Salts of Mercury/
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1656]**PEER REVIEWED**
EXCEPT FOR EXCRETION BY SALIVA, MERCURY IS EXCRETED BY LIVER THROUGH
BILE & ALSO BY MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF SMALL INTESTINES & COLON. ... IN
RATS ... ELIMINATION CURVE IS ... A MULTI-PHASIC EXPONENTIAL CURVE,
HAVING A RAPID PHASE WITH A HALF-LIFE OF ABOUT 5 DAYS, ANOTHER PHASE
WITH A HALF-LIFE OF 1 MO, & STILL ANOTHER ... OF ABOUT 3 MO.
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.413]**PEER REVIEWED**
Half-lives may be different in different species. Initial half-lives
of ethyl mercury were 4.4 days in mice & 7 to 10 days in rats of
different ages. /Organic mercury compounds/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.16]**PEER REVIEWED**
The biologic half-life for the total body burden of Hg in humans has
been reported to range from 70 to 74 d ... .
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961071]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mechanism of
Action:
Toxic effects are ... due to partial conversion of mercurous salt
into mercury & the mercuric salt. /Mercurous salts/
[Clarke, M. L., D. G.
Harvey and D. J. Humphreys. Veterinary Toxicology. 2nd ed. London:
Bailliere Tindall, 1981.61]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury readily forms covalent bonds with sulfur, & it is this
property that accounts for most of the biological properties of the
metal. When sulfur is in form of sulfhydryl groups, divalent mercury
replaces the hydrogen atom to form mercaptides ... Mercurials even
in low concn are capable of inactivating sulfhydryl enzymes and ...
interfering with cellular metabolism & function. ... Mercury also
combines with other ligands of physiological importance, such as
phosphoryl, carboxyl, amide & amine groups.
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1656]**PEER REVIEWED**
They cause agglutination and hemolysis of erythrocytes; Hg2+ ions
enter into ... coordination or chelation complexes with
erythrocytes, causing clumping of cells. At low concn Hg2+ ions
initially block glucose entry by complexing with phosphate ligands
and by incr passive alkali-ion permeability, and then enter the cell
& accumulate. In vitro studies on erythrocytes show presence of Hg2+
binding sites on erythrocyte membranes; cellular membrane
permeability is affected by binding of Hg ions to thiol & phosphate
ligands. /Mercury salts/
[Venugopal, B. and T.D.
Luckey. Metal Toxicity in Mammals, 2. New York: Plenum Press,
1978.95]**PEER REVIEWED**
At low concn Hg2+ ions accumulate in liver lysosomes, & at high
concn Hg2+ ions rupture the lysosomes & release destructive acid
hydrolases. Studies on Hg2+ induced kidney necrosis revealed
decreased lysosomal enzyme activity and mitochondrial cytochrome-C
activity. The nephrotoxic effect of Hg2+ in female is more prominent
than in male. ... Studies with isolated cells indicate changes in
cell membrane permeability, decr electric potential across cell
membrane, loss of cellular potassium, reduced cellular uptake of
glucose, & a strong inhibition of cellular respiratory enzymes. ...
It induces formation of metallothionein. ... Mercury ions induce
diuresis by increasing permeability of renal proximal tubules to Na+
ions. /Mercury ion/
[Venugopal, B. and T.D.
Luckey. Metal Toxicity in Mammals, 2. New York: Plenum Press,
1978.96]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercuric salts in vitro enhanced viral transformations of hamster
cells and reduced the molecular weight of DNA in Chinese hamster
ovary cells, but did not produce mutagenesis in non-mammalian cells.
/Mercury salts/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.5-14 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
The short chain alkylmercurials undergo the slowest breakdown in
vivo with methylmercury being the most stable. /Alkylmercurials/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.29 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The mechanism of toxicity of mercury is not very specific & the
mercurial fungicides all owe their activity to the mercuric ion
moiety. In the organic mercurials the alkyl or aryl portion serves
to conduct the mercuric ion to the site of action, by reason of
lipoid solubility, & also determines the stability & rate of release
of the mercury ion. The biochemical action of the mercury fungicides
is related to the affinity of the mercuric ion for the sulfhydryl
groups of essential respiratory enzymes. Thus, mercury treatment
decreases the oxygen uptake of treated fungus spores, & poisoned
spores can be revived by subsequent application of sulfhydryl
compounds such as glutathione or cysteine.
[White-Stevens, R. (ed.).
Pesticides in the Environment: Volume 1, Part 1, Part 2. New York:
Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1971.23]**PEER REVIEWED**
That the syndromes of chronic intoxication induced by inorganic
mercury & by many organic mercurials are very similar is probably
explained by the rapid metabolic breakdown of these mercurials to
the mercuric ion. For example, studies on the fate & excretion of
phenylmercuric acetate in rats, dogs & chicks indicate that phenyl
mercury is absorbed intact from many portals, transported largely in
red blood cells, metabolized in the liver & perhaps elsewhere to
release inorganic mercury, which in the rat is excreted mostly in
the feces. Within 2 to 4 days, essentially all of the phenyl mercury
was broken down. Hydroxylation of the phenyl ring was thought to
precede rupture of the carbon-to-mercury bond; hydroxyphenyl mercury
compounds decompose spontaneously in the presence of acid & cysteine
or BAL. Methoxyethyl mercury salts & at least some of the mercurial
diuretics may be even more labile. In rats sc injected methoxyethyl
mercury chloride decomposed (either spontaneously or enzymatically)
with a half-time of about 1 day to release inorganic mercury that
largely migrated to the kidneys & was eventually excreted. /Aryl and
alkoxyalkyl mercury/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-266]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercuric salts induce hypercoagulability in blood when 3 mg/kg is
injected sc in dogs daily for 3 days; Increase in fibrinogen content
& shortening of prothrombin time in blood were observed. ... /The
salts/ cause agglutination & hemolysis of erythrocytes; Hg2+ ions
enter into ... coordination or chelation complexes with
erythrocytes, causing clumping of cells. At low concn, Hg2+ ions
initially block glucose entry by complexing with phosphate ligands &
by incr passive alkali-ion permeability, & then enter the cell &
accumulate. In vitro studies on erythrocytes show presence of Hg2+
binding sites on erythrocyte membranes; Cellular membrane
permeability is affected by binding of Hg ions to thiol & phosphate
ligands. /Mercury salts/
[Venugopal, B. and T.D.
Luckey. Metal Toxicity in Mammals, 2. New York: Plenum Press,
1978.95]**PEER REVIEWED**
The effects of mercury compounds on passive ion permeability have
been studied extensively in erythrocytes ... . Although the anionic
aqueous channel appears to be unaffected by mercury, concentrations
of mercury as low as 5 uM increase the cationic permeability to Na+
and K+ ... . An increase in the uptake and efflux of Rb+ in
astrocytes after incubation with 10 to 100 uM mercury has also been
demonstrated, indicating an alteration in the ability of astrocytes
to maintain a transmembrane K+ gradient. Methylmercury has also been
shown to induce changes in the distribution of anionic groups on the
surface membrane of mouse astrocytes ... . In common with other
metals such as lead and aluminum, mercury has a general inhibitory
effect on the enzyme Na+, K+ ATPase in many tissues ... .
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
1996576]**PEER REVIEWED**
An involvement of astroglia in methylimercury intoxication has been
demonstrated histochemically in rats ... . Organic mercury
accumulated initially in the brain during the "silent phase", mainly
in glial cells, while at the onset of neurological signs, the same
staining was also observed in neurons. ... Mercury may also have a
direct deleterious effect on astrocytes, leading to a loss of
cerebral homeostasis and secondary neuronal death. Methylmercury has
been shown to induce irreversible inhibition of DNA and protein
synthesis in astrocytes, while the effect of mercuric chloride was
reversible ... . The effects of methylmercury on astrocytic K+ flux
may also compromise extracellular K+ homeostasis either by spatial
buffering or active uptake, resulting in cellular swelling ... .
/Mercury/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
1996576]**PEER REVIEWED**
Interactions:
... Mercury /binds/ to selenium (Se) & tellurium (Te) but with
mutually antagonistic effect on their toxicities. /Mercury/
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E.
Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume
2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons,
1981-1982.1786]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercurials have been shown to interact with phospholipid monolayers
and model membranes ... . Hg2+ interacts specifically with
phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), phospholipids
that contain a primary amine in their polar head group ... .
Mercurials also form complexes with purine and pyrimidine bases,
nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids ... and are mutagenic...
. /Mercurials/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961056]**PEER REVIEWED**
Pharmacology:
Interactions:
... Mercury /binds/ to selenium (Se) & tellurium (Te) but with
mutually antagonistic effect on their toxicities. /Mercury/
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E.
Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume
2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons,
1981-1982.1786]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercurials have been shown to interact with phospholipid monolayers
and model membranes ... . Hg2+ interacts specifically with
phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), phospholipids
that contain a primary amine in their polar head group ... .
Mercurials also form complexes with purine and pyrimidine bases,
nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids ... and are mutagenic...
. /Mercurials/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961056]**PEER REVIEWED**
Drug
Idiosyncrasies:
Mercuric ... compounds locally applied to skin caused idiosyncratic
skin symptoms like erythema & more severe exfoliative dermatitis,
involving whole body.
[Friberg, L., G.R.
Nordberg, and V.B. Vouk. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. New
York: Elsevier North Holland, 1979.518]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental
Fate/Exposure Summary:
Mercury compounds may be released into the environment through the
combustion of fuels containing mercury impurities and through their
use in batteries (mercuric oxide), pigments (imported to the United
States), catalysts, explosives (mercury fulminate), laboratory-based
research, and through some pharmaceutical applications (ammoniated
mercury and merbromin). Mercury compounds may also be released
through outgasing from volcanic sources. Some mercury compounds
found to occur naturally in the environment include cinnabar
(mercuric sulfide), metacinnabar, tiemannite (mercuric selenide),
montroydite (mercuric oxide), and coloradoite (mercuric telluride).
Mercury generally tends to concentrate in sulfides and is found most
commonly in the ore cinnabar which contains 86.2% mercury. Mercury
compounds may enter the atmosphere in the particulate phase based
their low to nonexistent and and vapor pressures. Deposition with
precipitation is a major factor in removing mercury compounds from
the atmosphere; however, if they are not subjected to wash-out or
dry deposition processes, then they will likely be transformed by
chemical or physical processes in the atmosphere. Exchange reactions
between water and mercury compounds are likely to occur in the
atmosphere. The result of these exchange reactions eventually
results in the release of elemental mercury into the gaseous phase.
Inorganic mercury compounds can be methylated by microorganisms
indigenous to soils, fresh water, and saltwater. This process is
mediated by various microbial populations under both aerobic and
anaerobic conditions. Also, exchange reactions between water and
mercury compounds may result in the release of elemental mercury
into the environment. Once mercury compounds are released into moist
soil environments, they may dissociate depending upon their
solubility. Upon dissolution, mercury will either be associated with
its respective anion or be associated with humic matter. Studies
indicate that mercury compounds, once deposited on soil, are
absorbed to the soil and do not leach. Mercuric sulfide has been
found to strongly adsorb to soil, and even with weathering, any
mercury released from the mercuric sulfide is readsorbed by the
soil. Inorganic mercury compounds are not expected to volatilize
from moist soils or water surfaces because of their low Henry's Law
constants. For example, the Henry's Law constants for mercuric
hydroxide and bichloride are 7.82X10-8 and 7.09X10-10 atm cu m/mole
25 deg C, respectively. Mercury compounds are not expected to
bioconcentrate unless they are converted to methylmercury in the
environment. Conversion of inorganic mercury compounds to
methylmercury can occur within 30 to 50 days in the environment.
Occupational exposure to inorganic mercury compounds has been
investigated in chloralkali plants, mercury mines, and refineries.
High mercury levels in blood and urine have been reported for all
these occupational exposure situations, although levels vary
according to work environment conditions. The EPA has reported that
dietary intake is the most important source of exposure to mercury
compounds for the general public. (SRC)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of
Human Exposure:
INHALATION OF VAPOR BY LABORATORY WORKERS IN CLOSED SPACE LED TO
BRONCHIAL IRRITATION /AND CHARACTERISTIC MERCURY POISONING SYMPTOMS/
... CHRONIC MERCURIALISM IN FUR-CUTTING AND FELT-HAT INDUSTRIES /IS
REPORTED/. ALTHOUGH MERCURIC NITRATE WAS MATERIAL USED TO TREAT FUR
FROM WHICH FELT WAS MADE, MERCURY WAS GRADUALLY RELEASED FROM FUR
AND FELT IN FORM OF METALLIC MERCURY VAPOR. ... THE WORKERS HAD
MIXED EXPOSURE TO DUST OF MERCURY CMPD (ESP THE NITRATE) AND TO
VAPOR OF ELEMENT. ... POISONING WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OBSERVED ...
/WITH/ METALLIC MERCURY ONLY.
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.12]**PEER REVIEWED**
Acute poisoning usually results from oral ingestion of highly
dissociated inorganic prepn, but it may also be caused by ...
mercurial ointments applied topically. /MERCURY/
[Gilman, A.G.,
L.S.Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 7th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc., 1985.1611]**PEER REVIEWED**
The dominant food source of mercury in the human diet is fish and
fish products. ... In terms of total Hg, the diet greatly exceeds
other media, including air and water, as a source of human exposure
and absorption of Hg. /Mercury/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.2-4 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Accumulation of mercury in the terrestrial and aquatic food chains
results in risks for man mainly through the consumption of: fish
from contaminated waters; especially predator species, tuna fish,
swordfish and other large oceanic fish even if caught considerably
off shore; other seafoods including muscles and crayfish,
fish-eating birds and mammals; and eggs of fish eating birds.
/Mercury cmpds/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.55 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The EPA has reported that dietary intake is the most important
source of exposure to mercury compounds for the general public(1).
Individuals currently living in proximity to former mercury
production facilities, chloroalkali facilities, municipal and
medical waste incinerators, other mercury-disposal or recycling
facilities, or any hazardous waste sites where mercury compounds
have been detected are at risk of receiving potentially
higher-than-normal background exposure(2). Occupational exposure to
inorganic mercury compounds have been investigated in chloralkali
plants, mercury mines, and refineries. High mercury levels in blood
and urine have been reported for all these occupational exposure
situations, although levels vary according to work environment
conditions(3). The number of workers exposed to different mercury
compounds have been reported. For example, the estimated total
number of workers (number of women workers in parenthesis) exposed
in 1983 to mercury chloride and mercuric sulfide was 45,492 (18,717)
and 98 (0), respectively(2).
[(1) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990) (2) ATSDR;
Toxicological Profile for Mercury p. 312 (1998) Research Triangle
Institute 205-93-0606 (1998) (3) WHO; Inorganic Mercury -
Environmental Health Criteria 118. Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 168 (1991)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Average Daily
Intake:
The intake of total dietary mercury (Hg) has been measured ... over
a number of years for various age groups. The average daily intake
over the period 1973 to 1982 has been in the range of 2000 to 7000
ng Hg for adults and up to 1000 ng Hg for toddlers and infants. The
most recent figures (fiscal year 1981-82) were 3000 ng Hg for
adults, 1000 ng Hg for toddlers, and less than 1000 ng Hg for
infants. /Total mercury/
[Gartrell M; US
Environmental Protection Agency Profile No ECAO-HA-83-3 as cited in
USEPA; Mercury Health Effects Update p.3-20 (1984) EPA
600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Assuming an ambient air level of 50 ng/cu m, the average daily
intake of metallic mercury vapor would amount to 1 ug/day due to
inhalation. ... The average daily intake of those sub-groups of the
general population living in specially polluted areas is difficult
to estimate with any accuracy. ... Daily intake from occupational
exposure is almost impossible to estimate because of the wide
variation in exposure conditions in industry. /Total mercury/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.64 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The estimated daily intakes of inorganic mercury compounds and methylmercury for the general population are 4.3 ug/day and 2.41 ug/day,
respectively(1). Mercury intake from drinking-water was estimated to
be approximately 50 ng/day and the mercury ingested is in the
inorganic form (ie. mercuric chloride)(1). It is estimated that
average daily intake of inorganic mercury compounds by the general
population through ambient air, through the consumption of fish,
non-fish food, and drinking water is 0.002 ug/day, 0.600 ug/day, 3.6
ug/day and 0.050 ug/day, respectively(2).
[(1) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990) (2) ATSDR;
Toxicological Profile for Mercury p. 343. Research Triangle
Institute 205-93-0606 (1998)]**PEER REVIEWED**
ATMOSPHERIC INTAKE: 0.14 ug/day total mercury (elemental and methyl
mercury) (assuming an avg ambient concn 7 ng/cu m)(1). FOOD INTAKE:
16.3 ug/day total mercury (assuming avg mercury concn in fish, 0.4
ug/g and an avg concn in other foods, 0.004 ug/g(1)).
[(1) Bennett BG; IARC 71:
115-28 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Natural Pollution
Sources:
Mercury ore is found in rocks of all classes. Common host rocks are
limestone, calcareous shales, sandstone, serpentine
(3MgO.2SiO2.2H2O), chert andesite (soda lime feldspar), basalt, and
rhyolite (alkaline feldspar and quartz).
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E.
Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume
2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons,
1981-1982.1769]**PEER REVIEWED**
Joint FAO/WHO expert committee on Food Additives (1972) quotes the
major source of mercury (Hg) as the natural degassing of the earth's
crust ... in the range of 25,000-150,000 ton of Hg/yr.
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.43 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The mercury (Hg) content of some common ore and gangue minerals as a
result of its coexistence in a deposit with cinnabar, metacinnabar
or other Hg minerals is as follows: Tetrahedrite (Cu12Sb4S13)
17.6-21%; Grey copper ores (Cu,As,SB)XSy 14%; Spalerite (ZnS) 1%;
Wurtzite (ZnS) 0.03%; Stibnite (Sb2S3) 1.3%; Realgar (AsS) 2.2%;
Pyrite (FeS2) 2%; Galena (PbS) 0.02%; Marcasite (FeS2) 0.07%; Native
gold (Au) 60%; Native silver (Ag) 30%; Barite (BaSO4) 0.5%;
Cerussite (PbCO3) 0.1%; Flourite (CaF2) 0.01%; Calcite (CaCO3)
0.03%; Aragonite (CaCO3) 3.7%; Siderite (FeCO3) 0.01%; Pyrolusite
(MnO2) 2%; Hydrated iron oxides Fe2O3nH2O 0.2%; Graphite (Carbon)
0.01%; and Coal 2%. /Total mercury/
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.32
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fossil Fuels: Coal 10-8,530 ppb; Coal in mercuriferous basins
20-300,000 ppb; Crude oils 20-2000 ppb; Petroleum crudes in
mercuriferous belts 1,900-21,000 ppb; Bitumens, solid hydrocarbons,
asphalts, etc 2,000-900,000 ppb.
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.39
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury is released into the environment from volcanoes and hot
springs.
[Miller DR, Buchanan JM;
Atmos Trans of Mercury: Exposure Commitment and Uncertainty
Calculations. MARC Report #14 p.1 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Background levels of naturally-occuring mercury in the environment
are generally low(1). Mercury content in rock samples average
between 1.0 to 12 ng/g for different types of igneous and
sedimentary rocks(2). Bituminous shales may have higher
concentrations varying between 32 to 340 ng/g and sulfide ores may
have exceptionally high mercury contents(2). Parent material of
mineral soils will have similar concentrations; ie. in most cases
from 2 to 8 ug/kg for normal rock forming minerals(2). The majority
of mercury in the environment is from natural sources rather than
the result of human activities(1). Mercury compounds found in the
environment include cinnabar (mercuric sulfide), metacinnabar,
tiemannite (mercuric selenide), montroydite (mercuric oxide), and
coloradoite (mercuric telluride)(3). Mercury generally tends to
concentrate in sulfides and is found most commonly in the ore
cinnabar which contains 86.2% mercury(4,5). The average
concentration of mercury in the earth's crust is 0.5 ppm, but the
actual concentration varies considerably depending on location(5).
In seawater, mercury tetrachloride is the dominant mercury salt
detected, however, it is probable that mercury disulfide may also
exist(1).
[(1) WHO; Mercury -
Environmental Aspects - Geneva. NY, NY: World Health Organization.
WHO Publications Center U.S.A. pp. 115 (1989) (2) Lindqvist O ed;
Mercury in the Swedish Environment. Recent Research on causes,
consequences and corrective methods. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic
Pub pp. 261 (1991) (3) Simon M et al; Ullmann's Encycl Indust Chem.
5th ed. Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Pub, A16: 269-298 (1990) (4) Bodek
I et al; Environmental Inorganic Chemistry, Properties, Processes,
and Estimation Methods. SETAC Special Publications Series. NY, NY:
Pergamon Press, pp. 7.10-1 to 7.10-17 (1988) (5) ATSDR;
Toxicological Profile for Mercury p. 312 Research Triangle Institute
205-93-0606 (1998)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Artificial
Pollution Sources:
Mercuric salts are still widely employed in industry, and industrial
discharge ... into rivers has polluted many parts of the world.
[Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall,
A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY.
Pergamon Press, 1990.1598]**PEER REVIEWED**
Concentrated local discharges associated with industrial activities
and waste disposal. Diffuse discharges generally associated with
combustion of fuels containing mercury impurities. Mercury is
released in various chemical forms. /Mercury compounds/
[Miller DR, Buchanan JM;
MARC Report: Atmos Trans of Mercury: Exposure Commitment and
Uncertainty Calculations #14 p.1 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**
... INADEQUATE AND IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF INDUSTRIAL MERCURY WASTES
INCR MERCURY LEVELS IN WATER AND ATMOSPHERE. ... MICROORGANISMS
CONVERT ELEMENTAL MERCURY INTO METHYL MERCURY SALT (CH3HGCL) AND
DIMETHYL MERCURY, WHICH ... ESCAPE INTO THE ATMOSPHERE. MOST OF
THESE REACTIONS TAKE PLACE IN SEDIMENTS OF RIVER AND OCEAN BEDS. ...
MAJOR SOURCE OF MERCURY CONTAMINATION IS DISPOSAL OF INDUSTRIAL
MERCURY WASTES INTO WATER WHERE THE WASTES SETTLE AS SEDIMENT, ONLY
TO BE RECYCLED INTO THE WATER & AIR.
[Venugopal, B. and T.D.
Luckey. Metal Toxicity in Mammals, 2. New York: Plenum Press,
1978.87]**PEER REVIEWED**
... Maximum ground-level concn of Hg for 12 USA coal-fired power
plants were 0.035-6.9 ug/cu m.
[Vaugh WP, Fuller SR;
Illinois Institute for Environmental Quality Rep ILEQ 71-3 (1971) as
cited in Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the
Canadian Environment p.66 (1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury (Hg) loss est from Canada fuel consumption and other
Canadian sources: In 1974, approximately 12 ton Hg were discharged
to the environment as a result of coal combustion. Approximately 90%
was discharged to air as vapor, 9% was adsorbed onto fine
particulate (controllable by particle-collecting devices) and
approximately 1% remained in the bottom or grate ash. /Mercury
compounds/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.66 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Water borne pollution may originate in sewage, metal refining
operations, or most notably, from chloralkali plants.
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.84 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Twenty thousand tons of mercury are released into the environment
each year by human activities such as combustion of fossil fuels and
other industrial release. /Mercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.387]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury compounds may be released into the environment through their
use in batteries (mercuric oxide), pigments (imported to the United
States), catalysts, explosives (mercury fulminate), laboratory-based
research, and through some pharmaceutical applications (ammoniated
mercury and merbromin)(1). Other important man-made sources are
fossil fuels combustion, smelting of sulfide ores, extraction of
gold, effluent from chloralkali plants, production of cement, refuse
incineration and especially through mining activities(2). The
world-wide mining of mercury (in the form of mercuric sulfide) is
estimated to be approximately 10,000 tons per year, however, this
figure changes from year to year(2).
[(1) DeVito SC; Kirk-Othmer
Encycl Chem Technol. 4th ed. NY, NY: John Wiley and Sons. 16:
212-228 (1995) (2) WHO; Methyl Mercury - Environmental Health
Criteria 101. Geneva NY, NY: World Health Organization. WHO
Publications Center pp. 144 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Fate:
Mercurous sulfate becomes gray on exposure to light with prodn of
mercury and mercuric sulfate.
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The
Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals.
Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1006]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Atmospheric Fate: Hg in the environment is deposited and
revolatilized many times, with a residence time in the atmosphere of
at least a few days. In the volatile phase it can be transported
hundreds of kilometers.
[Miller DR, Buchanan JM;
Atmospheric Transport of Mercury: Exposure Commitment and
Uncertainty Calculations. MARC Report #14 p.3-6 (1979)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Aquatic Fate: The conversion, in aquatic environments, of inorganic
mercury cmpd to methyl mercury implies that recycling of mercury
from sediment to water to air and back could be a rapid process.
/Inorganic mercury cmpd/
[Callahan, M.A., M.W.
Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate of 129
Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979.14-11]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Terrestrial Fate: Losses of organomercury cmpd may occur when sludge
is used as a fertilizer or when it is placed in a sanitary landfill.
/Organomercury cmpd/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.74 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Organic mercury compounds released into the environment are often
broken down to elemental mercury or mercuric compounds. /Organic
mercury compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 392]**PEER REVIEWED**
IN YATSUSHIRO SEA & MINAMATA BAY, THE CROAKER (ARGYROSOMUS
ARGENTATUS) WAS A GOOD INDICATOR OF HG POLLUTION. MERCURY MIGRATED
FROM SEDIMENT TO THE CROAKER BY WAY OF SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER
& ZOOPLANKTON. CONVERSION FROM INORGANIC TO METHYLMERCURY OCCURS AT
THE STAGE OF ZOOPLANKTON.
[NISHIMURA H, KUMAGAI M;
WATER, AIR, SOIL POLLUT 20 (4): 401 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Aquatic Fate: In aquatic systems, mercury appears to bind to
dissolved matter or fine particulates, while the transport of
mercury bound to dust particles in the atmosphere or bed sediment
particles in rivers and lakes is generally less substantial.
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.78 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Aquatic Fate: ... Mercury can be desorbed into the water column,
transported by water (probably bound or chelated to some fine
particles or dissolved substances), and redeposited on the bed
sediment.
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.81 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Once mercury compounds are released into moist
soil environments, they may dissociate depending upon their
solubility. Upon dissolution, mercury will either be associated with
its respective anion or be associated with humic matter(1). Studies
indicate that mercury compounds, once deposited on soil, are
absorbed to the soil and do not leach(2,3). Mercuric sulfide has
been found to strongly adsorb to soil, and even with weathering, any
mercury released from the mercuric sulfide is readsorbed by the
soil(2). Mercuric sulfide has very limited water solubility and is
likely to have limited mobility in soil(2). The general vertical
distribution pattern of mercury in soil is closely related to the
distribution of the organic matter since functional groups,
especially sulfides, in organic components strongly bind mercury(1).
In contrast to most other metals, acidification of soils does not
increase the solubility of mercury compounds. The adsorption on
humic matter seems instead to increase at lower pH values(1).
Several studies have indicated that most mercury (70-80%) is
retained in the humus layer of soil. In the deeper layers of soil,
hardly any accumulation of mercury takes place(1). Thus, mercury,
once dissociated, is not expected to be very mobile in soil
environments. Mercury compounds are not expected to volatilize to
from moist soil surfaces based on their Henry's Law constants(4).
For example, the Henry's Law constants for mercuric hydroxide and
bichloride are 7.82X10-8 and 7.09X10-10 atm cu m/mole 25 deg C,
respectively(5). Inorganic mercury compounds can be methylated by
microorganisms indegenous to the soil environment(2). This process
is mediated by various microbial populations under both aerobic and
anaerobic conditions. Sulfur-reducing bacteria are responsible for
most of the mercury methylation in the environment, however, yeast
populations are also able to methylate mercury(2).
[(1) Lindqvist O, ed;
Mercury in the Swedish Environment. Recent research on causes,
consequences and corrective methods. Netherlands, Kluwer Academic
Publishers pp. 261 (1991) (2) ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for
Mercury p. 312, 319-20 Research Triangle Institute 205-93-0606
(1998) (3) Bodek I et al; Environmental Inorganic Chemistry,
Properties, Processes, and Estimation Methods. SETAC Special
Publications Series. NY, NY: Pergamon Press pp. 7.10-1 to 7.10-17
(1988) (4) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation
Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(5) WHO; Methyl Mercury - Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva
NY, NY: World Health Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144
(1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**
AQUATIC FATE: Volatilization of mercury compounds from water
surfaces is not expected(1) based upon their Henry's Law
constants(2). For example, the Henry's Law constants for mercuric
hydroxide and bichloride are 7.82X10-8 and 7.09X10-10 atm cu m/mole
25 deg C, respectively(2). Solubility of mercury compounds in water,
however, can differ greatly between the mercurial compounds. For
example, mercuric sulfide has a water solubility of 11X10-20
mg/l(3), mercurous chloride has a water solubility of 2 mg/l at 25
deg C(1) and mercuric chloride has a solubility of 69 g/l at 20 deg
C(1). Chlorine concentrations, however, in aqueous solution can
increase the solubility of mercury compounds(4). At a concn of
35,460 ppm chlorine, the solubilities of mercuric oxide and mercuric
sulfide increased by factors of 10+5 and 3.6X10+7, respectively(4).
At a chlorine concn of only 3.5 ppm, the solubilities of these two
compounds increases by factors of 55 and 408, respectively(4). The
pH can also affect the solubility of some mercury compounds. The
solubility of cinnabar increased by 30 times at a pH of 5 and even
more by the addition of humic acid(4). The solubilities of mercuric
oxide and mercuric chloride were also increased by humic acid(4).
The reduction of divalent inorganic mercury compounds is relatively
slow in water solution(3). Mercury compounds are strongly bound to
organic matter in water and may be transported in runoff water from
contaminated lakes to other surface waters and soils(3). Inorganic
mercury compounds can be methylated by microorganisms indegenous to
the aqueous environment(3). This process is mediated by various
microbial populations under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Sulfur-reducing bacteria are responsible for most of the mercury
methylation in the environment; however, yeast populations are also
able to methylate mercury in the environment(3). Mercuric salts, are
converted by bacteria to methylmercury which bioaccumulates(5). It
has been proposed that methylmercury in fish arises from the
bacterial methylation of inorganic mercury, either in the
environment or in bacteria associated with fish gills, surface, or
gut(5).
[(1) Lyman WJ et al;
Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC:
Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (2) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990) (3) ATSDR;
Toxicological Profile for Mercury p. 324, 327 Research Triangle
Institute 205-93-0606 (1998) (4) Bodek I et al; Environmental
Inorganic Chemistry, Properties, Processes, and Estimation Methods.
SETAC Special Publications Series. NY, NY: Pergamon Press pp. 7.10-1
to 7.10-17 (1988) (5) WHO; Mercury - Environmental Aspects - Geneva.
NY, NY: World Health Organization. WHO Publications Center U.S.A.
pp. 115 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: In the atmosphere, particulate bound mercury
constitutes only approximately 2% of total mercury in the air and
has normally been found to be less than 0.1 ng/cu m in regions
unaffected by local sources(1). Some mercury compounds which may
exist in the particulate phase in the atmosphere are mercuric
chloride, mercuric bromide, mercuric hydroxide, mercuric sulfide,
and mercuric cyanide(1). The rest is elemental mercury in the
gaseous phase. Deposition with precipitation is a major factor in
removing mercury compounds from the atmosphere(1,2). If the mercury
compound is not subjected to wash-out or dry deposition processes,
then they will likely be transformed by chemical or physical
processes in the atmosphere. Theoretical calculations on the
photodissociation of mercuric compounds have indicated that mercuric
chloride and mercuric cyanide are stable, while mercuric hydroxide
may dissociate in the gas phase(1). Exchange reactions between water
and mercury compounds are likely to occur in the atmosphere(1). The
result of these exchange reactions eventually results in the release
of elemental mercury into the gaseous phase.
[(1) Lindqvist O, ed;
Mercury in the Swedish Environment. Recent research on causes,
consequences and corrective methods. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic
Pub. pp. 261 (1991) (2) WHO; Mercury -Environmental Aspects -
Geneva. NY, NY: World Health Organization. WHO Publications Center
U.S.A. pp. 115 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental
Biodegradation:
Inorganic forms of Hg can be converted to organic forms by microbial
action in the biosphere. /Inorganic Mercury/
[Schroeder WH; Envir Sci
Tech 16 (7): 394A-400A (1982) as cited in Environment Canada; Tech
Info for Problem Spills: Inorganic Mercury (Draft) p.41
(1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercuric ion Hg(2+) can be methylated by both aerobic and anaerobic
bacteria. /Mercuric ion Hg(2+)/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.33 (1976)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
... Certain bacteria are capable of transforming mercuric ion to
volatile elemental mercury. /Mercuric ion/
[Callahan, M.A., M.W.
Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate of 129
Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979.14-9]**PEER
REVIEWED**
In general, NTA complexes of mercury ... can be expected to degrade
much more slowly than those of nickel, zinc, and iron. /Nitrilotriacetic
acid/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; NTA ( Nitrilotriacetic Acid)- An Ecological Appraisal p.13
(1976) NRCC No. 15023]**PEER REVIEWED**
Upon entering an aqueous system, virtually any mercurial cmpd may be
microbially converted to methyl mercury. /Mercury cmpd/
[Callahan, M.A., M.W.
Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate of 129
Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979.14-9]**PEER
REVIEWED**
All forms of Hg (metal, vapor, inorganic, or organic) are converted
to methyl mercury. Inorganic forms are converted by microbial action
in the atmosphere to methyl mercury. /Mercurial cmpd/
[Environment Canada; Tech
Info for Problem Spills: Mercury (Draft) p.41 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
The mechanism of mercury elimination from wastewater was studied.
The mercury-resistant bacterial Pseudomonas K62 strain at concn of
6X10+8 cells/ml was incubated for 6 hr with 30 ppm mercuric nitrate.
0% added mercury was removed from culture medium in which
Pseudomonas was not present; whereas 47% of added mercury was
removed in presence of Pseudomonas. Uptake of mercury was severely
inhibited by sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and mono- and dibasic
potassium phosphate.
[Menzie, C.M. Metabolism
of Pesticides, Update II. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish
Wildlife Service, Special Scientific Report - Wildlife No. 2l2.
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1978.174]**PEER
REVIEWED**
In soil all the organomercury compounds are decomposed to mercury
salts or to metallic mercury which are the active fungicides. ...
/It has been/ suggested that this decomposition takes place through
base exchange to form organomercury clays which subsequently form
mercury salts by further base exchange. These mercuric salts are
then reduced to mercurous salts & to mercury. ... The metallic
mercury liberated in the soil is ultimately converted to mercury
sulfide by reaction with hydrogen sulfide liberated by soil
microorganisms. /Mercury compounds/
[White-Stevens, R. (ed.).
Pesticides in the Environment: Volume 1, Part 1, Part 2. New York:
Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1971.22]**PEER REVIEWED**
... Microorganisms convert inorg mercury to methylmercury ...
/which/ is ... taken up rapidly by plankton algae and is
concentrated in fish by way of food chain. /Mercuric salts/
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1655]**PEER REVIEWED**
Inorganic mercury compounds can be methylated by microorganisms
indegenous to soils, fresh water, and salt water(1). This process is
mediated by various microbial populations under both aerobic and
anaerobic conditions. Sulfur-reducing bacteria are responsible for
most of the mercury methylation in the environment; however, yeast
populations are also able to methylate mercury in the
environment(1). Increased dissolved organic carbon levels reduce
methylation of mercury compounds in aqueous systems most probably
due to the binding affinity between the dissolved organic carbon and
the mercury ions(1). At low pH, methylation of mercury compounds is
favored while demethylation is inhibited.
[(1) ATSDR; Toxicological
Profile for Mercury p. 324, 327 Research Triangle Institute
205-93-0606 (1998)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental
Abiotic Degradation:
Organic mercury develops in soil within 30 to 50 days. Dimethyl
mercury migrates to surface of water bodies from bottom sediments
and is photodegraded to methyl mercury. /Organic & dimethyl mercury/
[Environment Canada; Tech
Info for Problem Spills: Mercury (Draft) p.43 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Mercuric compounds found in the atmosphere are likely to be
transformed by chemical or physical processes. Theoretical
calculations on the photodissociation of mercuric compounds have
indicated that mercuric chloride and mercuric cyanide are stable,
while mercuric hydroxide may dissociate in the gas phase(1).
Exchange reactions between water and mercury compounds are likely to
occur in the atmosphere(1). The result of these exchange reactions
eventually results in the release of elemental mercury into the
gaseous phase.
[(1) Lindqvist O, ed;
Mercury in the Swedish Environment. Recent research on causes,
consequences and corrective methods. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic
Publishers. pp. 261 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental
Bioconcentration:
As the tissue concn approaches steady-state, net accumulation rate
is slowed either by a reduction in uptake rate, possibly due to
inhibition of membrane transport, or by an increase in depuration
rate, possibly because of a saturation of storage sites, or both.
[USEPA; Ambient Water
Quality Criteria Doc: Mercury p.10 (1984) EPA 440/5-84-026]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Bioconcentration Factors for Mercury: Marine Plants 1,000; Marine
Invertebrates 100,000; Marine Fish 1,670; Freshwater Plants 1,000;
Freshwater Invertebrates 100,000; Freshwater Fish 1,000.
[Callahan, M.A., M.W.
Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate of 129
Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979.14-10]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Fish can accumulate mercury (Hg) to very high levels because
accumulation is rapid and elimination is slow. Predators achieve
higher concn than do fish lower in the food chain. In Canadian
freshwaters, the highest Hg levels are found in lake trout, pike and
walleye. In the sea, high Hg concn are found in sharks, swordfish,
tuna, and halibut.
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.89 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Acidification of a body of water might also increase mercury
residues in fish even if no new input of mercury occurs, possibly
because lower pH increases ventilation rate and membrane
permeability, accelerates the rates of methylation and uptake,
affects partitioning between sediment and water, or reduces growth
or reproduction of fish.
[USEPA; Ambient Water
Quality Criteria Doc: Mercury p.12 (1984) EPA 440/5-84-026]**PEER
REVIEWED**
... Microorganisms convert inorg mercury to methylmercury ...
/which/ is ... taken up rapidly by plankton algae and is
concentrated in fish by way of food chain. /Mercuric salts/
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1655]**PEER REVIEWED**
Bioconcentration factors of 63,000 for fresh-water and 10,000 for
salt-water fish. /Mercury Compounds/
[Environment Canada; Tech
Info for Problem Spills: Mercury (Draft) p.43 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Possible bioaccumulation problem. Many organisms can accumulate
mercury from water. Bioconcentrative up to 10,000 fold. /Mercury/
[U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data.
Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office,
1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fish can accumulate mercury and transfer it to higher levels in the
food chain.
[U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data.
Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office,
1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercuric salts are still widely employed in industry, and industrial
discharge ... into rivers has polluted many parts of the world. ...
Microorganisms convert inorg mercury to methyl mercury ... /which/
is ... taken up rapidly by planktonic algae and is concentrated in
fish by way of food chain. /Mercuric salts/
[Hardman, J.G., L.E.
Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman
and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.1654-9]**PEER REVIEWED**
Accumulation of mercury in the terrestrial and aquatic food chains
results in risks for man mainly through the consumption of: fish
from contaminated waters; especially predator species, tuna fish,
swordfish and other large oceanic fish even if caught considerably
off shore; other seafoods including mussels and crayfish,
fish-eating birds and mammals; and eggs of fish eating birds.
/Mercury/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.55 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercuric salts, are converted by bacteria to methylmercury which
bioaccumulates(1). It has been proposed that methylmercury in fish
arises from the bacterial methylation of inorganic mercury
compounds, either in the environment or in bacteria associated with
fish gills, surface, or gut(1). There is little indication that fish
themselves methylate or demethylate mercury(1). The change from
inorganic to methylated forms of mercury is the first crucial step
in the aquatic bioaccumulation(2). Nearly all (95-100%) of the
mercury present in fish is methylmercury(2). Any inorganic mercury
compounds which are absorbed by fish are released back into the
water rather quickly(1). Terrestrial animals that feed off of
aquatic organisms, such as seagulls, generally have higher concns of
mercury compounds than other terrestrial animals which do not(1).
[(1) WHO; Mercury -
Environmental Aspects - Geneva. NY, NY: World Health Organization.
WHO Publications Center U.S.A. pp. 115 (1989) (2) Simon M et al;
Ullmann's Encycl Indust Chem. 5th ed. Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH
Publishers, A16: 269-298 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**
In one study, the bioaccumulation of inorganic mercury was found to
decrease as pH decreased. At pHs of 5, 6.5, and 7.5, fathead minnow
accumulated whole body residues of 2.7, 1.8, and 0.4 mg Hg/kg,
respectively, when exposed to mercuric chloride(1). Observations of
aquatic organisms indicate that mercury concns increase with
increasing age and that males tend to have higher levels than
females(1).
[(1) WHO; Mercury -
Environmental Aspects - Geneva. NY, NY: World Health Organization.
WHO Publications Center U.S.A. pp. 115 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Soil
Adsorption/Mobility:
In general, the availability of soil mercury (Hg) to plants is low
and there is a root barrier to translocation of Hg to plant tops.
[Steward JWB et al; Joint
FAO/IAGA Meetings: Publ IAGA Vienna p.23-4 (1975) as cited in Nat'l
Research Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian
Environment p.101 (1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Once mercury compounds are released in moist soil environments, they
may dissociate depending upon their solubility. Upon dissolution,
mercury will either be associated with its respective anion or be
associated with humic matter(1). Studies indicate that mercury
compounds, once deposited on soil, are absorbed to the soil and do
not leach(2,3). Mercuric sulfide has been found to strongly adsorb
to soil, and even with weathering, any mercury released from the
mercuric sulfide is readsorbed by the soil(2). Mercuric sulfide has
very limited water solubility and in the absence of other solvents,
is likely to have limited mobility in soil(2). The general vertical
distribution pattern of mercury in soil is closely related to the
distribution of the organic matter since functional groups,
especially sulfides, in organic components strongly bind mercury(1).
In contrast to most other metals, acidification of soils does not
increase the solubility of mercury compounds. The adsorption on
humic matter seems instead to increase at lower pH values(1).
[(1) Lindqvist O, ed;
Mercury in the Swedish Environment. Recent Research on causes,
consequences and corrective methods. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic
Pub. pp. 261 (1991) (2) ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Mercury p.
312, 319-320 Research Triangle Institute 205-93-0606 (1998) (3)
Bodek I et al; Environmental Inorganic Chemistry, Properties,
Processes, and Estimation Methods. SETAC Special Publications
Series. NY, NY: Pergamon Press pp. 7.10-1 to 7.10-17 (1988)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Volatilization from
Water/Soil:
... A large fraction of the spray residue was found in the soil
30-50 days after application; the rest of the Hg was lost by
vaporization (either as the organic cmpd or after conversion to Hg
metal) or by migration to lower soil horizons since water containing
organic cmpd from decomposing vegetable matter can leach adsorbed
Hg. /Phenylmercury spray/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.101 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
... certain bacteria are capable of transforming mercuric ion to
volatile elemental mercury. /Mercuric ion/
[Callahan, M.A., M.W.
Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate of 129
Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979.14-9]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Volatilization of mercury compounds from water surfaces is not
expected(1) based upon their Henry's Law constants(2). For example,
the Henry's Law constants for mercuric hydroxide and bichloride are
7.82X10-8 and 7.09X10-10 atm-cu m/mole 25 deg C, respectively(2).
[(1) Lyman WJ et al;
Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC:
Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (2) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Environmental Water
Concentrations:
Drinking Water (range): 5 to 100 ng Hg/l (est) /Total mercury/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.3-19 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Surface Water: ... The purest surface water (drinking quality)
contains less than 30 ng/l based on over 700 samples collected from
drinking reservoirs in the Federal Republic of Germany. Rivers
believed to have low contamination, such as the Danube, and bodies
of water such as the Boden Sea, have values close to 150 ng/l based
on the analysis of 152 samples. /Total mercury/
[Bouquiaux J; Proceedings
of the Intl Symposium on the Problems of Contamination of Man and
His Environment by Mercury and Cadmium p.23 (1974) as cited in WHO;
Environ Health Criteria: Mercury p.58 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Drinking Water: In the Federal Republic of Germany, the mercury
concn measured was approx 600 ng/l in a sample of potable water.
/Total mercury/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.59 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Other Waters: In the Federal Republic of Germany, the mercury
contamination was approx 400 ng/l in inland waters and between 100
and 1,800 ng/l in rivers. /Total mercury/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.59 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The amount of mercury in the oceans has been calculated as 70
million ton using a figure for total ocean volume of 1.37X10+9 cu km
and taking the avg Hg content of ocean water as 50 ng/l. /Total
mercury/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.47 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Natural Waters: Rainwater, snow 0.01-0.48 ppb; Normal stream, river,
and lake waters 0.01-0.1 ppb; Coal mine waters (Donets Basin, USSR)
1-10 ppb; Stream and river waters near mercury deposits 0.5-100 ppb;
Oceans and seas 0.005-5.0 ppb; Hot springs and certain mineral
waters 0.01-2.5 ppb; Normal groundwaters 0.01-0.10 ppb; Groundwaters
and mine waters near polymetallic sulfide deposits 1-1000 ppb; Oil
field and other saline waters 0.1-230 ppb. /Total mercury/
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.40
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
In a contaminated lake system in Canada, inorganic mercury compounds
were found to constitute a varying proportion of total mercury,
depending on the lake that was being tested, but, overall accounted
for approximately 94-99% of the total mercury(1). In seawater,
mercury tetrachloride is the dominant mercury salt detected(2).
Measurement of mercury in aquatic systems have given the following
concn ranges: open ocean 0.5-3 ng/l; coastal sea water 2-15 ng/l;
rivers and lakes 1-3 ng/l(2). /Total mercury/
[(1) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990) (2) WHO;
Mercury - Environmental Aspects - Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center U.S.A. pp. 115 (1989)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Effluent
Concentrations:
Mercury is concentrated in the sludges from sewage treatment by a
factor of several hundred to several thousand over the levels
initially present in the raw sewage. /Total mercury/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.73 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
... A plant in northwestern Ontario is est to have discharged 9 tons
of mercury into local waters, with effects traceable 200 miles
downstream. /Total mercury/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.84 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Sediment/Soil
Concentrations:
Soil and Glacial Deposits: Normal soils 20-150 ppb; Normal tills,
glacial clay, sand, etc 20-100 ppb; Soils, tills, etc near mercury
deposits, sulfide deposits, etc up to 250 ppm; Soil horizons
(normal)- A (humic) 60-200 ppb, B 30-140 ppb, C 25-150 ppb; Soil
horizons (near mercury deposits)- A (humic) 200-1860 ppb, B 140-605
ppb, C 150-554 ppb. /Total mercury/
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.39
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Approximate concn of all forms of Hg in the earth's crust is 80 ppb.
/MERCURY/
[Jonasson IR; Mercury in
the Natural Environment: A Review of Recent Work: Geological Survey
of Canada p.13-14 (1970)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The mercury content in minerals forming ordinary rock and soils is
usually very low. The normal level in igneous rocks and minerals
seems to be less than 50 ug/kg, and in many cases is less than 10 ug/kg(1).
Average concns in ocean sediments probably range between 20 and 100
ug/kg(1). Parent material of mineral soils generally have mercury
concns ranging from 2 to 8 ug/kg for normal rock forming
minerals(2).
[(1) WHO; Mercury -
Environmental Aspects - Geneva. NY, NY: World Health Organization.
WHO Publications Center U.S.A. pp. 115 (1989) (2) Lindqvist O, ed;
Mercury in the Swedish Environment. Recent Research on causes,
consequences and corrective methods. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic
Pub. pp. 261 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Atmospheric
Concentrations:
Atmospheric Concn (avg): 2-10 ng Hg/cu m (est) /Total mercury/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.2-4 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
The avg concn of mercury (Hg) in the general atmosphere in the USSR
was 10 ng/cu m; 0-14 ng/cu m in non-industrialized regions of Japan;
the lowest concn in Denver, USA was 2-5 ng/cu m; in San Francisco,
USA, levels of 0.5-50 ng/cu m (depending greatly on the direction of
the wind) were reported; airborne dust in New York City contained
from 1 to 41 ng/cu m and outdoors concn ranged from 0 to 14 ng/cu m;
and particle-bound Hg in air above Chicago ranged from 3 to 39 ng/cu
m. /Total mercury/
[WHO; Environ Health
Criteria: Mercury p.57 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Volcanic exhalations: Atmosphere 2-10 ng/cu m; Air over mercury
deposits 30-1600 ng/cu m. /Total mercury/
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.39
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
In the atmosphere, particulate bound mercury constitutes only
approximately 2% of total mercury in the air and has normally been
found to be less than 0.1 ng/cu m in regions unaffected by local
sources(1). Some other mercury compounds which may exist in the
atmosphere are mercuric chloride, mercuric bromide, mercuric
hydroxide, mercuric sulfide, and mercuric cyanide(1). The rest is
elemental mercury in the gaseous phase. In remote areas over the
Atlantic and Pacific oceans, mercury bound to particulate matter
concns are generally at or below the picogram per cubic meter
level(1).
[(1) Lindqvist O, ed;
Mercury in the Swedish Environment. Recent Research on causes,
consequences and corrective methods. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic
Pub. pp. 261 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Food Survey Values:
Levels in eggs (440 samples) taken from Denmark, the Federal
Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom, ranged from 0 to 100 ug/kg
with most of the values between 10 and 20 ug/kg. Levels in meat,
meat products, and prepared meat products (318 samples from the
United Kingdom) ranged from 0 to 50 ug/kg with most values lying
between 10 and 20 ug/kg. Various kinds of cereal and flour (2,133
samples, taken from the Federal Republic of Germany and the United
Kingdom) ranged from 0 to 20 ug/kg with most values being close to 3
ug/kg. Mercury levels in cereal products from the same countries (52
samples) ranged up to 50 ug/kg with most values close to 20 ug/kg.
Vegetables and fruits (288 samples) from Belgium, the Federal
Republic of Germany, and the United Kingdom had mercury levels up to
50 ug/kg with most values close to 7 ug/kg. /Total mercury/
[Bouquiaux J; Proceedings
of the Intl Symposium on the Problems of Contamination of Man and
His Environment by Mercury and Cadmium p.23 (1974) as cited in WHO;
Environ Health Criteria: Mercury p.59 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Tuna, 0.2 mg/kg (natural), 10.6 mg/kg (abnormal); eggs, 0.009 mg/kg
(natural), 0.029 mg/kg (abnormal); cabbage, 0.09 mg/kg (natural),
0.57 mg/kg (abnormal). /Mercury Compounds/
[OECD; Mercury and the
Environment p.135-141 (1974)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mean level of Hg in most foodstuffs estimated at 0.03 mg/kg.
/Mercury cmpd/
[Casarett, L.J., and J.
Doull. Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. New York: MacMillan
Publishing Co., 1975.484]**PEER REVIEWED**
Concns of mercury compounds in most foodstuffs are often below the
reported limit of detection. Besides fish products that often have
detectable amounts of methylmercury, most other foodstuffs have
average values below 20 ug/kg with mercury mainly in the inorganic
form(1).
[(1) WHO; Methyl Mercury
- Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva. NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
In a FDA Adult Total Diet Study of 20 market basket composites
conducted from Oct 1977-Sept 1978, the average mercury concentration
in dairy was 0.0001 ppm (1 pos); in meat, fish, and poultry 0.0091
ppm (16 pos); in grain and cereal products 0.0014 ppm (5 pos); was
not detected in potatoes (detection limit of 0.001 ppm); in leafy
vegetables at 0.0006 ppm (3 pos); in legumes vegetables at 0.0011
ppm (3 pos); in root vegetables at 0.0007 ppm (3 pos); in garden
fruit 0.0001 ppm (1 pos); in fruits at 0.0002 ppm (2 pos); in oils,
fats, and shortenings at 0.0014 ppm (5 pos); in sugar and adjuncts
at 0.0001 ppm (1 pos); and was not detected in beverages (detection
limit of 0.001 ppm)(1).
[(1) Podrebarac DS; J
Assoc Off Anal Chem 67: 176-85 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**
In a total market basket study conducted in the United States from
1991 to 1999, mercury was detected in 42 of 1206 food items at a
mean concentration of 0.006 mg/kg and at a maximum concentration of
0.322 in tuna(1).
[(1) FDA; U.S. Total Diet
Study 91-3 to 99-1 Database on Mercury. Available from the Database
Query page at http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~acrobat/TDS1byel.pdf as of
Oct, 2000.l]**PEER REVIEWED**
Plant
Concentrations:
Living organisms: Marine plants 0.01-37 ppb fresh wt; terrestrial
plants 0-40 ppb fresh wt; Terrestrial plants in vicinity of mercury
deposits 200-30,000 ppb fresh wt. /Total mercury/
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.39
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury and its compounds occur naturally in trace amounts in plants
growing in soils with low mercury concentrations (<500 ppb).
/Mercury cmpd/
[OECD; Mercury and the
Environment p.135-147 (1974)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Most plant species are highly resistant to the effects of Hg and do
not appreciably accumulate it. /Mercury/
[Britt DL, Hushon JM;
Biological Effects, Criteria and Standards for Hazardous Pollutants
Associated with Energy Technologies p. 6-38 (1976) ERDA E
(49-1)-3878]**PEER REVIEWED**
Increasing the mercury (Hg) level in soil by addition of ...
inorganic mercurials can lead to increases in the Hg content of
plants. For example, ... the addition of mercuric acetate ... to
Canadian prairie soil increased the Hg content of alfalfa 3-10 times
over a control level of 0.07 ppm (dry weight basis). /Inorganic
mercurials/
[Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.104 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
The accumulation of mercury in plants increases with increasing soil
mercury concn. Soil type has a considerable influence on this
process with a high organic matter content decreasing the uptake(1).
Generally, the highest concns of mercury are found at the roots, but
translocation to other organs (e.g. leaves) occurs(1). In contrast
to higher plants, mosses take up mercury via the atmosphere(1). In
one study, 8 types of food were grown on soil amended with 4 or 20
mg/kg of mercuric chloride and later analyzed for uptake(1). Higher
concns were found in the roots compared to the above-ground samples.
At the highest treatment level, the mercury content of the roots
ranged from 0.387 mg/kg for lettuce to 2.447 mg/kg for
cauliflower(1). Spinach and radish tubers contained the highest
concns of mercury(0.695 and 0.663 mg/kg respectively) in their
edible portions.
[(1) WHO; Mercury -
Environmental Aspects - Geneva. NY, NY: World Health Organization.
WHO Publications Center U.S.A. pp. 115 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fish/Seafood
Concentrations:
Fish Concn (avg): 100-200 ng Hg/g fish (est) /Total mercury/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.2-4 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fish and shellfish /concn/ in the United States: Tuna (mainly
canned) 0.24 ppm; Unclassified (mainly breaded, including fish
sticks) 0.21 ppm; Shrimp 0.46 ppm; Flounder 0.10 ppm; Clams 0.05 ppm;
Crabs/lobsters 0.25 ppm; Salmon 0.05 ppm; Oysters/scallops 0.04 ppm;
Trout 0.42 ppm; Bass 0.21 ppm; Catfish 0.15 ppm; Sardines 0.06 ppm;
Pike 0.61 ppm; Snapper 0.45 ppm; Whiting 0.05 ppm; All other
classified 0.21 ppm. /Total mercury/
[USEPA; Mercury Health
Effects Update p.3-16 (1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury content in muscle tissue of British Columbia fish: Crabs (Squamish)
1.55-13.4 ppm; Crabs (Fraser Rvier Flats) 0.19 ppm; Crabs (West
Vancouver) 0.14 ppm; Crabs (Tofino) 0.02 ppm; Dolly Varden
(Carpenter Lake) 0.41-1.94 ppm; Dogfish (English Bay) 1.08 ppm;
Flounder (Squamish) 1.00-1.42 ppm; Flounder (Fraser River Flats)
0.23 ppm; Flounder (Hecate Strait) 0.11 ppm; Herring (Squamish)
0.14-0.30 ppm; Herring (Prince Rupert) 0.07 ppm; Lake trout (Pinchi
Lake) 2.86 ppm; Rainbow trout (Tezzeron Lake) 0.04 ppm. /Total
mercury/
[Bligh EG, Armstrong FAJ;
Int Council Explor Sea Rep No. CM 1971/E34 p.13 (1971) as cited in
Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian
Environment p.90 (1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
1983-84, clams collected from the Pungo River in North Carolina,
total mercury content 25-32 ng/g wet wt(1).
[(1) DiGiulio RT, Ryan
EA; Water Air Soil Poll 33: 205-19 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Animal
Concentrations:
Living organisms: Marine animals; molluscs, fish, seals, etc 0.1-200
ppb; Terrestrial (freshwater) animals; fish, crayfish, etc 0.1-200
ppb; Terrestrial (land) animals; man, birds, etc 1-100 ppb. /Total
mercury/
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.39
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
Milk
Concentrations:
Mercury levels in milk products (81 samples from the Federal
Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom) ranged from 0 to 40 ug/kg
with a medium value of 6 ug/kg. /Total mercury/
[Bouquioux J; Proceedings
of the Intl Symposium on the Problems of Contamination of Man and
His Environment by Mercury and Cadmium p.23 (1974) as cited in WHO;
Environ Health Criteria: Mercury p.59 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Other Environmental
Concentrations:
Volcanic Condensates and Precipitates: Fumarolic condensates 0.3-6
ppb; Sulfuric and hydrochloric acids 0.2-72 ppb; Chloride, sulfate,
flouride and sulfur precipitates 1-14,000 ppb; Hydrous iron oxide
precipitates up to 0.1%; Opaline silica sinters, etc at hot spring
orifices up to 0.2%. /Total mercury/
[Jonasson IR, Boyle RW;
Bull Can Inst Min Metal 65: 32-9 (1972) as cited in Nat'l Research
Council Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.39
(1979) NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
50 ppm of mercury in soil impairs growth of plants. Soils with more
than 1,000 ppm must be considered toxic. /Total mercury/
[Manual on Hazardous
Substances in Special Wastes, Federal Environmental Agency Waste
Management Division (1976) as cited in Environment Canada; Tech Info
for Problem Spills: Mercury (Draft) p.43 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Standards &
Regulations:
RCRA Requirements:
D009; A solid waste containing mercury may or may not become
characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so
characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Mercury/
[40 CFR 261.24
(7/1/99]**PEER REVIEWED**
Atmospheric
Standards:
Emissions to the atmosphere from mercury ore processing facilities
and mercury cell chlor-alkali plants shall not exceed 2300 grams of
mercury per 24-hour period. /Mercury/
[40 CFR 61.52(a)
(7/1/99)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Emissions to the atmosphere from sludge incineration plants, sludge
drying plants, or a combination of these that process wastewater
treatment plant sludges shall not exceed 3200 grams of mercury per
24-hour period. /Mercury/
[40 CFR 61.52(b)
(7/1/99)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Clean Water Act
Requirements:
Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent
limitations. /Mercury and cmpd/
[40 CFR 401.15
(7/1/99)]**QC REVIEWED**
Federal Drinking
Water Standards:
EPA 2 ug/l /Mercury/
[USEPA/Office of Water;
Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC).
Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines
(11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**
Federal Drinking
Water Guidelines:
EPA 2 ug/l /Mercury/
[USEPA/Office of Water;
Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC).
Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines
(11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**
State Drinking
Water Guidelines:
(AZ) ARIZONA 3 ug/l /Mercury/
[USEPA/Office of Water;
Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC).
Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines
(11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**
(ME) MAINE 2 ug/l /Mercury/
[USEPA/Office of Water;
Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC).
Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines
(11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Other
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Mercury salts, when heated with Na2CO3, yield metallic Hg and are
reduced to metal by H2O2 in the presence of alkali hydroxide. Cu,
Fe, Zn and many other metals precipitate metallic Hg from neutral or
slightly acid soln of mercury salts. /Mercury salts/
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The
Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals.
Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1006]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Soluble ionized mercuric salts give a yellow precipitate of HgO with
NaOH and a red precipitate of HgI2 with alkali iodide. /Soluble
mercuric salts/
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The
Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals.
Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1006]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Mercurous salts give a black precipitate with alkali hydroxides and
a white precipitate of calomel with HCl or soluble chlorides. /Mercurous
salts/
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The
Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals.
Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1006]**PEER
REVIEWED**
METHYL- & ETHYLMERCURY CHLORIDE HAVE A HIGH SOLUBILITY IN SOLVENTS &
LIPIDS; SHORT-CHAIN ALKYLMERCURIC COMPOUNDS FORM SALTS WITH
HALOGENS, WHICH ARE HIGHLY VOLATILE AT ROOM TEMP; SATURATION CONCN
OF METHYLMERCURY CHLORIDE AT 20 DEG C IS 90000 MG MERCURY/CU M;
OTHER SALTS, SUCH AS HYDROXIDE & NITRATE OF METHYLMERCURY ARE LESS
VOLATILE /METHYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS/
[Friberg, L., G.R.
Nordberg, and V.B. Vouk. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. New
York: Elsevier North Holland, 1979.505]**PEER REVIEWED**
METHYLMERCURY(II) COMPLEXES OF MOST WIDELY STUDIED ANTIDOTES FOR
MERCURY POISONING WERE PREPARED, & THE WATER SOLUBILITY &
1-OCTANOL/WATER PARTITION COEFFICIENTS DETERMINED FOR THESE
COMPLEXES & THE L-CYSTEINE COMPLEX.
[ARNOLD AP ET AL; J INORG
BIOCHEM 19 (4): 319-28 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Methoxyethylmercury radicals /have been described/ as resembling
sodium ion in that they are strongly alkaline and form highly
ionized salts that are generally water soluble and appreciably
volatile. These compounds are quantitatively decomposed by strong
acids. /Methoxyethylmercury radicals/
[White-Stevens, R. (ed.).
Pesticides in the Environment: Volume 1, Part 1, Part 2. New York:
Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1971.19]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency
Guidelines:
Health: Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result
in contamination and potential harmful effects. Fire will produce
irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. /Mercury; Mercury,
metallic/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire or explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn
but may react upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
Runoff may pollute waterways. /Mercury; Mercury, metallic/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate
spill or leak area immediately for at least 10 to 25 meters (30 to
80 feet) in all directions. Stay upwind. Keep unauthorized personnel
away. /Mercury; Mercury, metallic/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will
only provide limited protection. /Mercury; Mercury, metallic/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
Evacuation: ... Fire: When any large container is involved in a
fire, consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all
directions. /Mercury; Mercury, metallic/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire: Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.
Do not direct water at the heated metal. /Mercury; Mercury,
metallic/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
Spill or leak: Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Do not
touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing
appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without
risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined
areas. Do not use steel or aluminum tools or equipment. Cover with
earth, sand, or other non-combustible material followed with plastic
sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. For mercury, use a
mercury spill kit. Mercury spill areas may be subsequently treated
with calcium sulphide/calcium sulfide or with sodium thiosulphate/sodium
thiosulfate wash to neutralize any residual mercury. /Mercury;
Mercury, metallic/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical
service. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing.
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate
contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance,
immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20
minutes. Keep victim warm and quiet. Ensure that medical personnel
are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to
protect themselves.
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-172]**QC REVIEWED**
Health: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed
through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or
inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive
and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may
be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Mercury cmpd, liquid
or solid , nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire or explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn
but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic
fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute
waterways. /Mercury cmpd, liquid or solid , nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate
spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to
160 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay
upwind. Keep out of low areas. /Mercury cmpd, liquid or solid , nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing which is
specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little
or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective
clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is
not effective in spill situations. /Mercury cmpd, liquid or solid ,
nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Evacuation: ... Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in
a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also,
consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all
directions. /Mercury cmpd, liquid or solid , nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire: Small fires: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray. Large fires:
Water spray, fog or regular foam. Move containers from fire area if
you can do it without risk. Dike fire control water for later
disposal; do not scatter the material. Use water spray or fog; do
not use straight streams. Fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads:
Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or
monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers
with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety
devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks
engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or
monitor nozzles; if this is impossible withdraw from area and let
fire burn. /Mercury cmpd, liquid or solid , nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Spill or leak: Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material
unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can
do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements
or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading.
Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible
material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE
CONTAINERS. /Mercury cmpd, liquid or solid , nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical
service. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do
not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the
substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket
mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory
medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove
and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with
substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at
least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material
on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure
(inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.
Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved,
and take precautions to protect themselves. /Mercury cmpd, liquid or
solid , nos/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Health: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed
through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or
inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive
and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may
be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Phenylmercuric
compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire or explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn
but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic
fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute
waterways. /Phenylmercuric compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate
spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to
160 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay
upwind. Keep out of low areas. /Phenylmercuric compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing which is
specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little
or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective
clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is
not effective in spill situations. /Phenylmercuric compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Evacuation: ... Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in
a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also,
consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all
directions. /Phenylmercuric compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire: Small fires: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray. Large fires:
Water spray, fog or regular foam. Move containers from fire area if
you can do it without risk. Dike fire control water for later
disposal; do not scatter the material. Use water spray or fog; do
not use straight streams. Fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads:
Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or
monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers
with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety
devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks
engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or
monitor nozzles; if this is impossible withdraw from area and let
fire burn. /Phenylmercuric compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Spill or leak: Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material
unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can
do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements
or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading.
Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible
material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE
CONTAINERS. /Phenylmercuric compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical
service. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do
not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the
substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket
mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory
medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove
and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with
substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at
least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material
on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure
(inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.
Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved,
and take precautions to protect themselves. /Phenylmercuric
compound, NOS/
[U.S. Department of
Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8
Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p.
G-151]**QC REVIEWED**
Odor Threshold:
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that alkyl
mercury compounds "are disagreeable in odor." /Organo (alkyl)
mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.3]**PEER REVIEWED**
Skin, Eye and
Respiratory Irritations:
MANY MERCURY CMPD ARE IRRITATING TO SKIN & MAY PRODUCE DERMATITIS
WITH OR WITHOUT VESICATION. ... CONTACT WITH EYES CAUSES ULCERATION
OF CONJUNCTIVA & CORNEA.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P.
Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th
ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.III-263]**PEER REVIEWED**
Alkyl mercury compounds are primary skin irritants and may cause
dermatitis. /Methyl mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS ARE STRONG IRRITANTS OF THE SKIN & MAY
CAUSE BLISTERS OR OTHER DERMATITIS WITH OR WITHOUT ASSOC SYSTEMIC
ILLNESS. /ALKYLMERCURY COMPOUNDS/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.22]**PEER REVIEWED**
Exposure of the skin to a concentrated solution of phenylmercury
cmpd may cause chemical burns with blistering. /Aryl mercury cmpd/
[International Labour
Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II.
Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.1336]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Soluble salts have violent corrosive effects on skin and mucous
membranes. /Mercury/
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The
Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals.
Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1006]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Irritation levels: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
states that "the organomercurials are severe skin, eye & mucous
membrane irritants. /Organo (alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.3]**PEER REVIEWED**
PROLONGED ABSORPTION OF IODIDES MAY PRODUCE IODISM WHICH IS
MANIFESTED BY SKIN RASH, RUNNING NOSE, HEADACHE, AND IRRITATION OF
MUCOUS MEMBRANES. /IODIDES/
[Sax, N.I. Dangerous
Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th ed. New York, NY: Van
Nostrand Reinhold, 1984.1616]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fire Fighting
Procedures:
If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable
for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or
burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use
foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Mercury compound, solid, NOS/
[Association of American
Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface
Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads,
Bureau of Explosives, 1994.678]**PEER REVIEWED**
If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding
quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon
dioxide. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Keep
run-off out of sewers and water sources. /Mercury compounds, liquid,
NOS/
[Association of American
Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface
Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads,
Bureau of Explosives, 1994.678]**PEER REVIEWED**
Hazardous
Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
Aluminum foil is unsuitable as a packing material in contact with
mercury(II)salts in presence of moisture, when vigorous amalgamation
ensues. /Mercuric salts/
[Bretherick, L. Handbook
of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA:
Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 199027]**PEER REVIEWED**
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers such as chlorine. /Methyl
mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Hazardous
Decomposition:
Phenylmercury salts & methoxyalkylmercury cmpd decompose readily &
release mercury vapor /Phenyl mercury salts/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 390]**PEER REVIEWED**
Immediately
Dangerous to Life or Health:
2 mg/cu m (as Hg) /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
10 mg/cu m (as Hg) /Mercury cmpd (except (organo) alkyl compounds
(as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Protective
Equipment & Clothing:
/SRP: IN THE LABORATORY:/ USE SKIN & RESP PROTECTION WHEN DRY
MERCURIC SALTS ARE TO BE USED. USE SKIN PROTECTION WHEN CONCN
AQUEOUS SOLN OF MERCURIC SALTS ARE USED. /MERCURIC SALTS/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 10th ed. and
supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Official Analytical
Chemists, 1965. New editions through 13th ed. plus supplements,
1982.13/883 51.079]**PEER REVIEWED**
Protective equipment: Wear appropriate clothing to prevent any
possibility of skin contact. Wear eye protection to prevent any
possibility of eye contact. Employees should wash immediately when
skin is wet or contaminated. Work clothing should be changed daily
if it is possible that clothing is contaminated. Remove
non-impervious clothing immediately if wet or contaminated. Provide
emergency showers and eyewash. /Methyl mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.422 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
... use disposable uniforms, so that a contaminated uniform is not a
source of absorption through the skin: use disposable
mercury-vapor-absorbing masks ...
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John
Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.15(81) 167]**PEER REVIEWED**
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin
contact. /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. /Mercury (organo)
alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any
possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is
irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye
protection. /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within
the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a
possibility of exposure. (Note: It is intended that these facilities
provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the
substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual
determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility
depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a
deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the
availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered
adequate.) /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max. concn for use: 0.1
mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator. /Mercury
(organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
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.
Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece
and cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of
concern. End of service life indicator (ESLI) required. (Canister)
Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any
supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece. /Mercury [except (organo)
alkyls] (as Hg), mercury vapor/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
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/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
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/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from
suddenly occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): 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 appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing
apparatus. /Mercury [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg), mercury vapor/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max. concn for use: 1
mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any chemical cartridge respirator
with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of
concern. End of service life indicator (ESLI) required. Any
supplied-air respirator. /Mercury [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg),
other non (organo) alkyl mercury compounds/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max. concn for use: 2.5
mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated
in a continuous-flow mode. Any powered, air-purifying respirator
with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of
concern. End of service life indicator (ESLI) required. (Canister)
/Mercury [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg), other non (organo) alkyl
mercury compounds/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max. concn for use: 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.
Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece
and cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of
concern. End of service life indicator (ESLI) required. (Canister)
Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any
supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece. /Mercury [except (organo)
alkyls] (as Hg), other non (organo) alkyl mercury compounds/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
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), other non (organo) alkyl mercury
compounds/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
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), other non (organo) alkyl mercury compounds/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from
suddenly occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): 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 appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing
apparatus. /Mercury [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg), other non (organo)
alkyl mercury compounds/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Protective equipment: In areas where the exposures are excessive.,
respiratory protection was provided either by full face canister
type mask or supplied air respirator, depending on the concentration
of 3 mercury fumes. Above 50 mg Hg/m requires supplied air positive
pressure full face respirators. Full body work clothes including
shoes or shoe covers and hats should be supplied and clean work
clothes should be supplied daily. Work clothes should not be stored
with street clothes in the same locker. /Inorganic mercury/
[Prager, J.C.
Environmental Contaminant Reference Databook Volume 2. New York, NY:
Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.559]**PEER REVIEWED**
Preventive
Measures:
Use disposable uniforms, so that a contaminated uniform is not a
source of absorption through the skin. Preventative measure:
adequate ventilation; careful attention to good housekeeping, eg,
avoidance of spills, and prompt and proper cleaning if a spill
occurs; all containers of mercury and its cmpd should be kept
tightly closed; floors should be washed on a regular basis with
dilute calcium sulfide solution or other suitable reactant; floors
should be nonporous; all workers directly involved in the plant
operation should shower thoroughly each day before leaving.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John
Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.15(81) 167]**PEER REVIEWED**
Preventive measure: Adequate ventilation; Use of disposable
uniforms, so that a contaminated uniform is not a source of
absorption through the skin: use of disposable
mercury-vapor-absorbing masks; careful attention to good
housekeeping, eg, avoidance of spills, and prompt and proper
cleaning if a spill occurs; All containers of mercury and its
compounds should be kept tightly closed; Floors should be washed on
a regular basis with dilute calcium sulfide solution or other
suitable reactant; Floors should be nonporous; all workers directly
involved in the plant operation should shower thoroughly each day
before leaving.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John
Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.15(81) 167]**PEER REVIEWED**
The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes
contaminated. /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should
be removed and replaced. /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change
into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
/Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
/Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.193]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Good industrial hygiene practices recommend that engineering
controls be used to reduce environmental concn to the permissible
exposure level. However, there are some exceptions where respirators
may be used to control exposure. Respirators may be used when
engineering & work practice are not technically feasible, when such
controls are in the process of being installed, or when they fail &
need to be supplemented. Respirators may also be used for operations
which require entry into tanks or closed vessels, & in emergency
situations. ... In addition to respirator selection, a complete
respiratory program should be instituted which includes regular
training, maintenance, inspection, cleaning, & evaluation. /Organo
(alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.3]**PEER REVIEWED**
If employees' clothing has ... /become/ contaminated with organo
(alkyl) mercury or liquids containing organo (alkyl) mercury,
employees should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving
the work premises. Clothing ... contaminated with organo (alkyl)
mercury should be placed in closed containers for storage until it
can be discarded or until provision is made for the removal of
organo (alkyl) mercury from the clothing. If the clothing is to be
laundered or otherwise cleaned to remove the organo (alkyl) mercury,
the person performing the operation should be informed of organo
(alkyl) mercury's hazardous properties. ... Non-impervious clothing
which becomes contaminated ... should be removed immediately & not
reworn until the organo (alkyl) mercury is removed ... /Organo
(alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.3]**PEER REVIEWED**
Where there is ... possibility of exposure of an employee's body to
organo (alkyl) mercury or liquids containing organo (alkyl) mercury,
facilities for quick drenching of the body /& an eye-wash fountain/
should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use.
/Organo (alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.3]**PEER REVIEWED**
Eating & smoking should not be permitted in areas where organo
(alkyl) mercury or liquids containing organo (alkyl) mercury are
handled, processed, or stored. Employees ... should wash their hands
thoroughly with soap or mild detergent & water before eating,
smoking, or using toilet facilities. /Organo (alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.4]**PEER REVIEWED**
If material not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources
and sewers. /Mercury compound, solid, NOS/
[Association of American
Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface
Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads,
Bureau of Explosives, 1994.678]**PEER REVIEWED**
If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks,
flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of
water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary.
Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. /Mercury
compound, liquid, NOS/
[Association of American
Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface
Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads,
Bureau of Explosives, 1994.678]**PEER REVIEWED**
Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning
material. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. ...
Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal
protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have
contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water.
... If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate
chemical protective clothing. /Mercury compound, solid, NOS/
[Association of American
Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface
Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads,
Bureau of Explosives, 1994.678]**PEER REVIEWED**
Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors. ... Do
not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal
protective equipment. /Mercury compounds, liquid, NOS/
[Association of American
Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface
Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads,
Bureau of Explosives, 1994.678]**PEER REVIEWED**
Preventative measure: adequate ventilation; careful attention to
good housekeeping, e.g., avoidance of spills, and prompt and proper
cleaning if a spill occurs; all containers of mercury and its
compounds should be kept tightly closed; should be washed on a
regular basis with dilute calcium sulfide solution or other suitable
reactant; floors should be nonporous; all workers directly involved
in the plant operation should shower thoroughly each day before
leaving.
[Prager, J.C.
Environmental Contaminant Reference Databook Volume 2. New York, NY:
Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.559]**PEER REVIEWED**
Stability/Shelf
Life:
Alkyl mercurials are very stable relative to aryl mercurials such as
phenylmercury, which is rapidly broken down into Hg2+ in animals ...
and the soil. /Mercurials/
[Chang, L.W. (ed.).
Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers,
19961051]**PEER REVIEWED**
Shipment Methods
and Regulations:
No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for
transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in
conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed,
described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment
as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials
regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./
[49 CFR 171.2
(7/1/99)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant
to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry
carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when
transporting hazardous materials.
[IATA. Dangerous Goods
Regulations. 41st Ed.Montreal, Canada and Geneva, Switzerland:
International Air Transport Association, Dangerous Goods
Regulations, 2000. 183]**PEER REVIEWED**
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic
principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed
recommendations for individual substances and a number of
recommendations for good practice are included in the classes
dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has
also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when
attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when
shipping any substance or article.
[IMDG; International
Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; International Maritime Organization
p.6180,6181 (1998)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Cleanup Methods:
Mercury spills should be cleaned up immediately by use of a special
vacuum cleaner. Then the area should be washed with a dilute calcium
sulfide solution. Small quantities of mercury can be picked up by
mixing with copper metal granules. ... /Mercury/
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John
Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.15(81) 167]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury removal from waste water can be accomplished by these
processes: BMS process; Chlorine is added to the waste water,
oxidizing any mercury present to the ionic state. The BMS adsorbent
(an activated carbon concentrate of sulfur cmpd on its surface) is
used to collect ionic mercury. The spent adsorbent is then distilled
to recover the mercury, leaving a carbon residue for reuse or
disposal. TMR IMAC Process; Waste water is fed into a reactor,
whereby a slight excess of chlorine is maintained, oxidizing any
mercury present to ionic mercury. The liquid is then passed through
the TMR IMAC ion-exchange resin where mercury ions are adsorbed. The
mercury is then stripped from the spent resin with hydrochloric acid
solution.
[Environment Canada; Tech
Info for Problem Spills: Mercury (Draft) p.59 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
SPILLED MERCURY CMPD OR SOLN CAN BE CLEANED UP BY ANY METHOD THAT
DOES NOT CAUSE EXCESSIVE AIRBORNE CONTAMINATION OR SKIN CONTACT.
[National Research
Council. Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1981.53]**PEER
REVIEWED**
1) Ventilate area of spill. 2) Collect spilled material for
reclamation using commercially available mercury vapor depressants
or specialized vacuum cleaners. /INORGANIC MERCURY/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.4]**PEER REVIEWED**
If organo (alkyl) mercury compounds are spilled or leaked, the
following steps should be taken: 1) Remove all ignition sources. 2)
Ventilate area of spill or leak. 3) If in the solid form, collect
for reclamation or disposal in sealed containers in a secured
sanitary landfill. 4) If in the liquid form, for small quantites,
absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume
hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely
clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away
from combustible materials. Large quantities can be collected &
reclaimed or collected for reclamation or disposal in sealed
containers in a secured sanitary landfill. /Organo (alkyl) mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.4]**PEER REVIEWED**
Cleanup: Mercury removal from wastewater can be accomplished by
these processes: BMS process; chlorine is added to the wastewater,
oxidizing any mercury present to the ionic state. The BMS adsorbent
(an activated carbon concentrated of sulfur compound on its surface)
is used to collect ionic mercury. The spent adsorbent is then
distilled to recover the mercury, leaving a carbon residue for reuse
or disposal. TMRIMAC Process: wastewater is fed into a reaction
whereby a slight excess of chlorine is maintained, oxidizing any
mercury present to ionic mercury. The liquid is then passed through
the TMRIMAC ion exchange resin where mercury ions are adsorbed. The
mercury is then stripped from the spent resin with hydrochloric acid
solution.
[Prager, J.C.
Environmental Contaminant Reference Databook Volume 2. New York, NY:
Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.560]**PEER REVIEWED**
Disposal Methods:
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.
[40 CFR 240-280, 300-306,
702-799 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mercury is a poor candidate for incineration. /Mercury/
[USEPA; Engineering
Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p.3-14 (1981) EPA
68-03-3025]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Biological
treatment; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study:
Respirometer study; Type of Wastewater Used: Synthetic wastewater;
Influent concentration: 0-200 ppm; Results of Study: O2 uptake
inhibited.
[Lamb JC III et al; J
Water Pollut Control Fed 36 (10): 1263-84 (1964) as cited in USEPA;
Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766
p. E-53 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Biological
treatment; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study:
Laboratory scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Synthetic wastewater;
Influent concentration: 5-10 ppm; Results of Study: 51-58%
reduction.
[Ghosh MM, Zugger PD; J
Water Pollut Control Fed 45 (3): 424-33 (1973) as cited in USEPA;
Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766
p. E-53 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Chemical
Precipitation; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study:
Pilot scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Domestic wastewater and pure
compound; Influent concentration: 0.5 ppm at 4 gpm at pH= 7.0;
Results of Study: High lime system- 70% reduction.
[Maruyama T et al; J
Water Pollut Control Fed 47 (5): 962-75 (1975) as cited in USEPA;
Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766
p. E-72 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Chemical
Precipitation; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Full
scale, continuous flow; Type of Wastewater Used: Domestic
wastewater; Results of Study: 9 ppb: 71% reduction with lime; 1.2
ppb: 25% reduction with lime.
[McCarty PL et al; Water
Factory 21: Reclaimed Water, Volatile Organics, Virus, and Treatment
Performance EPA-600/2-78-076 (1978) as cited in USEPA; Management of
Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p. E-72
(1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Chemical
Precipitation; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study:
Pilot scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Synthetic wastewater; Results
of Study: 500 ppb: 70% reduction with lime; 60 ppb: 94% reduction
with alum; 50 ppb: 98% reduction with ferric chloride.
[Hannah SA et al; J Water
Pollut Control Fed 49 (11): 2297-309 (1977) as cited in USEPA;
Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766
p. E-72 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Solvent
extraction; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study:
Literature review; Type of Wastewater Used: Unknown; Influent
concentration: 2 ppm; Results of Study: 99% reduction with high
molecular weight amines and quartenary salts.
[Dryden FE et al;
Priority Pollutant Treatability Review EPA Contract No. 68-03-2579
(1978) as cited in USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate,
EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p. E-119 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Activated
carbon; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Laboratory
scale, Isotherm test; Type of Wastewater Used: Pure compound;
Influent concentration: 100 ppm; Results of Study: Carbon dose; %
removal: 0 ppm 0%; 500 ppm 99%; 1,000 ppm 99%; 5,000 ppm 99%; 10,000
ppm 99%.
[Pilie RJ et al; Methods
to Treat, Control, and Monitor Spilled Hazardous Materials
EPA-670/2-75-042 (1975) as cited in USEPA; Management of Hazardous
Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p. E-165 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Activated
carbon; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Unknown;
Type of Wastewater Used: Unknown; Influent concentration: 10 ppb;
Results of Study: 80% reduction achieved with carbon dose of 100
mg/l. PAC plus chelating agent.
[Thiem L et al; J Amer
Water Works Assoc 68 (8): 447-51 (1976) as cited in USEPA;
Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766
p. E-165 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Treatability of Mercury; Concentration Process: Activated
carbon; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Literature
review; Type of Wastewater Used: Unknown; Results of Study: 80%
reduction by PAC and Alum coagulation.
[Dryden FE et al;
Priority Pollutant Treatability Review EPA Contract No. 68-03-2579
(1978) as cited in USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate,
EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p. E-165 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Organo (alkyl) mercury may be disposed of: 1) If in the solid form,
by collecting for reclamation or for disposal in sealed containers
in a secured sanitary landfill. 2) If in the liquid form, for small
quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such
as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to
completely clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable
location away from combustible materials. Large quantities can be
collected & reclaimed or collected for reclamation or disposal in
sealed containers in a secured sanitary landfill. /Organo (alkyl)
mercury/
[Mackison, F. W., R. S.
Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational
Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No.
81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981.5]**PEER REVIEWED**
The following wastewater treatment technology has been investigated
for mercury: Concentration process: Miscellaneous Sorbents.
/Mercury/
[USEPA; Management of
Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No.68-03-2766 p.E-202
(1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Occupational Exposure Standards:
OSHA Standards:
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 0.01
mg/cu m. /Organo alkyl mercury/
[29 CFR 1910.1000
(7/1/99)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable Ceiling
Concentration: 0.04 mg/cu m. /Organo alkyl mercury/
[29 CFR 1910.1000
(7/1/99)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL still enforced in some states: Hg vapor, TWA
0.05 mg/cu m, skin; Non-alkyl cmpds, Ceiling 0.1 mg/cu m, skin.
/Mercury cmpd, as Hg, (except (organo) alkyls)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.367]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 0.01 mg/cu m; STEL 0.03 mg/cu m, skin
designation, is still enforced in some states. /Mercury (organo)
alkyl compounds, as Hg/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.367]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable ceiling
concentration: 1 mg/10 cu m. /Mercury/
[29 CFR 1910.1000
(7/1/99)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Threshold Limit
Values:
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 0.025 mg/cu m, skin /Mercury, inorganic
forms including metallic mercury/
[American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit
Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological
Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH. 2000.46]**PEER REVIEWED**
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 0.01 mg/cu m, STEL 0.03 mg/cu m, skin
/Mercury, alkyl cmpds, as Hg/
[American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit
Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological
Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH. 2000.46]**PEER REVIEWED**
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 0.1 mg/cu m, skin /Mercury, aryl cmpds,
as Hg/
[American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit
Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological
Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH. 2000.46]**PEER REVIEWED**
BEI (Biological Exposure Index): Total inorganic mercury in urine (preshift):
35 ug/g creatinine. The determinant is usually present in a
significant amt in biological specimens collected from subjects who
have not been occupationally exposed. Such background levels are
incl in the BEI value. /Mercury, inorganic forms, including metallic
mercury/
[American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit
Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological
Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH. 2000.99]**PEER REVIEWED**
BEI (Biological Exposure Index): Total inorganic mercury in blood
(end of shift at end of workweek): 15 ug/l. The determinant is
usually present in a significant amt in biological specimens
collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed.
Such background levels are incl in the BEI value. /Mercury,
inorganic forms, including metallic mercury/
[American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit
Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological
Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH. 2000.99]**PEER REVIEWED**
A4. A4= Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Mercury, inorganic
forms, including metallic mercury, as Hg/
[American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit
Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological
Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH. 2000.46]**PEER REVIEWED**
NIOSH
Recommendations:
Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 0.05 mg/cu m,
skin (Hg vapor). /Mercury [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommended Exposure Limit: Ceiling Value: 0.1 mg/cu m, skin.
/Mercury compounds [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 0.01 mg/cu m.
/Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Min Short-Term Exposure Limit: 0.03
mg/cu m. /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Immediately
Dangerous to Life or Health:
2 mg/cu m (as Hg) /Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
10 mg/cu m (as Hg) /Mercury cmpd (except (organo) alkyl compounds
(as Hg)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.192]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
Used in treating seeds for fungi and seedborne diseases, as timber
preservatives, and disinfectants. /Methyl mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.420 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The aryl mercury cmpd ... are used as denaturants in ethyl alcohol.
/Aryl mercury cmpd/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
WHEN APPLIED TO SKIN & MUCOUS MEMBRANE, PHENYLMERCURIC SALTS INHIBIT
GROWTH OF GRAM-POSITIVE & GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA, TRICHOMONAS,
CANDIDA, & DERMATOPHYTIC FUNGI. /PHENYLMERCURIC SALTS/
[American Medical
Association, AMA Department of Drugs, AMA Drug Evaluations. 3rd ed.
Littleton, Massachusetts: PSG Publishing Co., Inc., 1977.888]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Mercury compounds may be used in batteries (mercuric oxide),
pigments (imported to the United States), catalysts, explosives
(mercury fulminate), laboratory-based research, and in some
pharmaceutical applications (ammoniated mercury and merbromin).
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley
and Sons, 1991-Present.V16 (95) 212-28]**PEER REVIEWED**
General
Manufacturing Information:
STATUS: THE EPA ... HAS CANCELLED ALL USES OF MERCURY SALTS EXCEPT
AS FUNGICIDE IN TREATMENT OF TEXTILES & FABRICS INTENDED FOR
CONTINUOUS OUTDOOR USE; AS FUNGICIDE TO CONTROL BROWN MOLD ON
FRESHLY SAWED LUMBER; AS FUNGICIDE TO CONTROL DUTCH ELM DISEASE; AS
IN CAN-PRESERVATIVE IN WATER-BASED PAINTS & COATINGS; AS SEED
DISINFECTANT FOR TREATING SUCH FARM SEEDS AS WHEAT, OATS, BARLEY,
FLAX, SORGHUM, & COTTON; AS A FUNGICIDE TO TREAT "SUMMER TURF"
DISEASES; AS FUNGICIDE TO CONTROL "WINTER TURF" DISEASES. ALSO,
SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING: (A) THE USE OF THESE PRODUCTS SHALL BE
PROHIBITED WITHIN 25 FT OF ANY BODY OF WATER WHERE FISH ARE TAKEN
FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION; (B) THESE PRODUCTS CAN BE APPLIED ONLY BY OR
UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION OF GOLF-COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS; (C) THE
PRODUCTS WILL BE CLASSIFIED AS RESTRICTED-USE PESTICIDES WHEN THEY
ARE REREGISTERED & CLASSIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4(C) OF
FEPCA. /MERCURY SALTS/
[Osol, A. (ed.).
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 16th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania:
Mack Publishing Co., 1980.1207]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE ACTION LEVEL OF 1.0 PPM TOTAL MERCURY IN FISH HAS BEEN REVISED
ON SEPT 12, 1984 BY FDA TO APPLY ONLY TO METHYL MERCURY.
[FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS (SEPT
17): 36-7 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The development of mercurial fungicides was an outgrowth of the
usefulness of mercuric chloride as a bactericide. Mercuric chloride
was 1st tested as a seed treatment on cereals ... in 1915 ...
/which/ paved the way for the concept of protective seed dressings
... However, the very poisonous nature of mercuric chloride
prevented its widespread use until /the introduction of/ ... an
organic mercurial, "chlorphenol mercury" in 1915, for use as a
liquid seed disinfectant. From that time on, a succession of organic
mercurials of varying chemical structures have been marketed ...
/About 1930/ slurry treatments became popular with the introduction
... of a new type of organic mercurial, represented by
methoxyethylmercury chloride, developed for use as a slurry
treatment or its corresponding silicate used as a dry seed
treatment.
[White-Stevens, R. (ed.).
Pesticides in the Environment: Volume 1, Part 1, Part 2. New York:
Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1971.19]**PEER REVIEWED**
The mercury fungicides are generally applied as seed dressings used
either as dusts or slurries containing from 1.5 to 3.2% metallic
mercury for application to seeds of cotton, rice, wheat, flax,
peanuts, safflower, and other crops.
[White-Stevens, R. (ed.).
Pesticides in the Environment: Volume 1, Part 1, Part 2. New York:
Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1971.23]**PEER REVIEWED**
The organic mercury compounds can be divided into mercurials which
are relatively stable, and those which rapidly split in the
mammalian body. ... Methoxyalkylmercury compounds ... split rapidly
in the body and are of toxicological importance. /Organic mercury
compounds/
[Friberg, L., Nordberg,
G.F., Kessler, E. and Vouk, V.B. (eds). Handbook of the Toxicology
of Metals. 2nd ed. Vols I, II.: Amsterdam: Elsevier Science
Publishers B.V., 1986.V2 389]**PEER REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
/FORMER USE:/ ... OF ALKYL MERCURY COMPOUNDS, ETHYL & METHYL
COMPOUNDS HAVE BEEN USED AS PESTICIDES. METHYL MERCURY WAS AVAIL IN
FORM OF SEVERAL SALTS: EACH SOLD UNDER 1 OR MORE PROPRIETARY NAMES
INCL BIS-METHYLMERCURIC SULFATE (CEREWET), CYANOGUANIDINE OR
DICYANODIAMIDE (AGROSOL, MORSODREN, PANOGEN, PANOSPRAY), NITRILE (CHIPCOTE),
& PROPIONATE (METASOL MP). /ALKYL MERCURY CMPD/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.20]**PEER REVIEWED**
The organic mercurial antiseptics are marketed in various types of
proprietary solutions, tinctures, aerosols, creams, gels, glycerites,
and ointments, and in powder form. /Organic mercurial antiseptics/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S.
Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc. 1980.976]**PEER REVIEWED**
Consumption
Patterns:
Electrical products such as dry-cell batteries, fluorescent light
bulbs, switches, and other control equipment account for 50% of
mercury used. Mercury is also used in substantial quantities in
electrolytic preparation of chlorine and caustic soda (chlor-alkali
industry, mercury cell process; 25%), paint manufacture (12%), and
dental preparations (3%). Lesser quantities are used in industrial
catalyst manufacture (2%), pesticides manufacture (1%), general
laboratory use (1%), and pharmaceuticals (0.1%). /Mercury/
[Kayser, R., D. Sterling,
D. Viviani (eds.). Intermedia Priority Pollutant Guidance Documents.
Washington, DC: U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, July
1982.3-1]**PEER REVIEWED**
The world-wide mining of mercury (in the form of mercuric sulfide)
is estimated to be approximately 10,000 tons per year, however, this
figure changes from year to year.
[WHO; Methyl Mercury -
Environmental Health Criteria 101. Geneva NY, NY: World Health
Organization. WHO Publications Center pp. 144 (1990)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Laboratory Methods:
Clinical Laboratory
Methods:
AOAC Method 977.15. The analysis of mercury in fish can be performed
with flameless atomic absorption. A digestion of the sample with
hydrochloric and nitric acid occurs in a special apparatus which is
connected to the spectrophotometer. /Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990263]**PEER REVIEWED**
DETERMINATION IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL. PHOTOMETRIC DITHIZONE METHOD.
/MERCURY/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 10th ed. and
supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Official Analytical
Chemists, 1965. New editions through 13th ed. plus supplements,
1982.12/452-25.108]**PEER REVIEWED**
Radiochemical method for neutron activation analysis of mercury in
biological materials was developed based on combination of 2
precipitation steps. Applications to analysis of hair & foodstuff
samples are presented. Quantities as low as 0.001 ug were detected
in hair samples.
[Biso JN et al; Radiochem
Radioanal Lett 58 (3): 175 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
A METHOD FOR EXTRACTION, CLEANUP & GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY DETERMINATION
OF INORG MERCURY IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS WAS DEVELOPED. INORGANIC
MERCURY IS ISOLATED AS METHYLMERCURY UPON REACTION WITH
TETRAMETHYLTIN. SPECIFIC CONDITIONS ALLOW DETECTION OF 1 PPB OR
LOWER.
[CAPPON CJ, SMITH JC;
ANAL CHEM 49 (3): 365-69 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**
A dual-stage atomization atomic absorption spectroscopy technique
was developed to allow speciation of 11 mercury containing compounds
in aqueous soln & biological fluids. The temp control used was not
adequate for mercury salts extremely volatile below 200 deg C.
Absorption traces of whole blood, blood serum, sweat & urine spiked
with mercuric chloride indicated that the technique is useful for
their detection. /Mercury cmpd/
[Robinson JW, Skelly EM;
J Environ Sci Health, Part A A17 (3): 391-425 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis) was used to detect protein-bound
Hg in fractions of human liver separated by gel-filtration
chromatography.
[Norheim G, Steinnes E;
Anal Chem 47 (9): 1688-90 (1975) as cited in Nat'l Research Council
Canada; Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.195 (1979)
NRCC No. 16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
DETECTION OF HG IN FISH MUSCLE SAMPLES CAN BE MADE BY AN ANODIC
STRIPPING VOLTAMMETRIC TECHNIQUE (ASV) USING A AU DISK AS WORKING
ELECTRODE. GOOD AGREEMENT IS ACHIEVED WHEN COMPARED WITH RESULTS
OBTAINED FROM NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS. /MERCURY/
[GOLIMOWSKI J,
GUSTAVASSON I; SCI TOTAL ENVIRON 31 (1): 89 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The analysis of mercury in stomach content, vomitus, urine, or
homogenized kidney is determined when a clean, copper wire, which
has been dropped in an acidified test solution, is covered with a
silver gray deposit. This wire can then be removed from the solution
and the mercury thereon characterized by suitable reactions which
produce characteristic colors. Quantiation can be realized by
oxidizing away the organic matter in the sample and determining the
mercury remaining in the aqueous digest. The test is sensitive to 30
ug of mercury, and estimates may be made at 25 ug intervals up to
about 100 ug. /Mercury/
[Sunshine, Irving (ed.)
Methodology for Analytical Toxicology. Cleveland: CRC Press, Inc.,
1975.Vol I 224]
The analysis of mercury in urine is done colorimetrically using
dithizone as a chelating agent. The absorbance of mercury dithizone
is determined with a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 490 nm.
Samples of vomitus or gastric lavage can also be analyzed by this
method. /Mercury/
[Sunshine, Irving (ed.)
Methodology for Analytical Toxicology. Cleveland: CRC Press, Inc.,
1975.Vol I 226]
Mercury in urine is easily analyzed using a flameless atomic
absorption spectrophotometer, with a special mercury detector
assembly. A commercial unit (Model MAS-50 Mercury Analyzer System
from Coleman Instruments Division) designed to facilitate the
analysis of various samples for their mercury content is available.
The unit contains a circulating pump, a mercury light source, an
absorption cell, a photodetector, and a five and a half inch meter
calibrated to read directly to read from 0 to 9 ug of mercury. A
scale expansion unit provides reading to 28 ug, if required.
Response time is less than one minute over the full concetration
range. /Mercury/
[Sunshine, Irving (ed.)
Methodology for Analytical Toxicology. Cleveland: CRC Press, Inc.,
1975.Vol I 225-30]
Analytic Laboratory
Methods:
NIOSH Method 6009. Determination of Mercury by Cold Vapor Atomic
Absorption (detection limit = 0.03 ug). The working range uses 0.01
to 0.5 mg/cu m for a 10 L air sample. The sorbent material
irreversibly collects elemental mercury. A prefilter can be used to
exclude particulate mercury species from the sample.
[U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for
Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 4th ed. Methods A-Z &
Supplements. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Aug
1994.]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 952.14. Mercury in food. Colorimetric dithizone method.
/Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990264]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 977.15. Mercury in fish. Alternative flameless atomic
absorption spectrophotometric method. /Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990263]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 974.14. Mercury in fish. Alternative digestion method.
/Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990264]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 935.67. Mercury in Mercurial Ointments. Titrimetric
method. /Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990511]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 957.20. Mercury in Ointments of mercuric nitrate.
Titrimetric method. /Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990511]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 977.22. Mercury in water. Flameless atomic absorption
spectrophotometric method. /Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990326]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 957.19. Mercury in drugs. Gravimetric method. /Mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990509]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 930.13. Mercury in organic mercurial seed disinfectants.
Volatilization method. /Total mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990162]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 930.14. Mercury in organic mercurial seed disinfectants.
Precipitation method. /Total mercury/
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990162]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 971.04. Mercury in organic mercurial seed disinfectants.
Titrimetric method.
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990162]**PEER REVIEWED**
AOAC Method 973.11. Mercury in organic mercurial seed disinfectants.
Gravimetric method.
[Association of Official
Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and
Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists,
1990163]**PEER REVIEWED**
MERCURY WAS DETECTED IN WATER BY SELECTIVE ION EXCHANGE
CHROMATOGRAPHY. /MERCURY/
[CLECHET P, ESCHALIER G;
ANAL CHIM ACTA 156: 295-9 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EMSLC Method 245.1. Determination of Mercury in Water by Cold Vapor
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Revision 3.0, May 1994. /Mercury/
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC# 4082.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
OSW Method 7471. Determination of Mercury in Solid or Semi-Solid
Waste by Manual Cold-Vapor Atomic Absorption. /Total mercury/
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC# 4082.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
OSW Method 7470. Determination of Mercury in Liquid Waste by Manual
Cold-Vapor Atomic Absorption. /Total mercury/
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC# 4082.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EMSLC Method 245.5. Determination of Mercury in Sediments by Cold
Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Revision 2.3, April 1991.
/Total mercury/
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC# 4082.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EMSLC Method 245.2. Mercury Analysis using the Automated Cold Vapor
Technique. /Total mercury/
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC# 4082.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
OSW Method 6010B. Mercury Determination by Inductively Coupled
Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Detection limit 17
ug/l.
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC# 4082.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
OSW Method 7472. Mercury in Aqueous Samples and Extracts by Anodic
Stripping Voltammetry. Detection limit 0.1 g/l.
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC# 4082.
Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
A METHOD FOR EXTRACTION, CLEANUP & GC DETERMINATION OF INORG MERCURY
IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS WAS DEVELOPED. INORGANIC MERCURY IS ISOLATED
AS METHYLMERCURY UPON REACTION WITH TETRAMETHYLTIN. SPECIFIC
CONDITIONS ALLOW DETECTION OF 1 PPB OR LOWER. /Inorganic &
organomercurials/
[CAPPON CJ, SMITH JC;
GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF INORGANIC MERCURY AND
ORGANOMERCURIALS IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS; ANAL CHEM 49 (3): 365-369
(1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Determination in Air: Collection on solid sorbent followed by
determination of flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
/Methyl mercury compounds/
[Sittig M; Handbook of
Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals p.421 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**
DETECTION OF HG IN FISH MUSCLE SAMPLES CAN BE MADE BY AN ANODIC
STRIPPING VOLTAMMETRIC TECHNIQUE (ASV) USING A AU DISK AS WORKING
ELECTRODE. GOOD AGREEMENT IS ACHIEVED WHEN COMPARED WITH RESULTS
OBTAINED FROM NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS. /TOTAL MERCURY/
[GOLIMOWSKI J,
GUSTAVASSON I; SCI TOTAL ENVIRON 31 (1): 89 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
A dual-stage atomization /atomic absorption spectroscopy/ technique
to allow speciation of 11 mercury containing compounds in aqueous
soln & biol fluids is described. Absorption traces of whole blood,
blood serum, sweat & urine spiked with mercury chloride indicated
that this technique can be useful in their determination.
[Robinson JW, Skelly EM;
J Environ Sci Health, Part A A17 (3): 391-425 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Determination of mercury by inductively coupled plasma atomic
emission spectrometric method. The Contract Required Detection limit
in water is 0.2 ug/l as defined by EPA. /Mercury/
[USEPA/OST; List of
Lists: A Catalog of Analytes and Methods p.312 (1991) OST Pub
21W-4005]**PEER REVIEWED**
The method of choice for determining total mercury in environmental
and biological samples is flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy
(detection limits 0.5-4.0 ng/g). /Total Mercury/
[WHO; Environmental
Health Criteria 101. Methylmercury. International Programme on
Chemical Safety (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**
APHA Method 3112. Detection of mercury by cold-vapor atomic
absorption spectrometry.
[American Public Health
Association, American Water Works Association, Warer Environment
Federation. M.A.H. Franson (ed.); Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th ed., Washington, D.C. 1998.
3-22]**PEER REVIEWED**
APHA Method 3500-HG-C. Mercury in Water by Dithizone and
Spectrophotometry. Detection limit 2 ug/l.
[American Public Health
Association, American Water Works Association, Warer Environment
Federation. M.A.H. Franson (ed.); Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th ed., Washington, D.C. 1998.
3-85]**PEER REVIEWED**
Sampling
Procedures:
The sampling/preserving method of choice appears to be in pyrex
glass containers using 5% HNO3 + 0.01% K2Cr2O7 preservative to
prevent losses due to volatilization and adsorption on the glass.
Samples treated in this manner have remained stable for more than 5
mo. /Mercury/
[Feldman C; Anal Chem 46
(1): 99-102 (1974) as cited in Nat'l Research Council Canada;
Effects of Mercury in the Canadian Environment p.193 (1979) NRCC No.
16739]**PEER REVIEWED**
The collection of sample prior to analysis requires particular
attention. The sample bottle whether borosilicate glass,
polyethylene polypropylene or Teflon should be thoroughly cleaned
with a metal-free nonionic detergent solution, rinse with tap water,
soak in acid, and then rinse with metal-free water. /Metals/
[American Public Health
Association, American Water Works Association, Warer Environment
Federation. M.A.H. Franson (ed.); Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th ed., Washington, D.C. 1998.
3-3]**PEER REVIEWED**
NIOSH Method 6009. Mercury. Analyte: elemental mercury; Matrix: air;
Sampler: solid sorbent tube (Hopcalite in single section, 200 mg);
Flow rate: 0.15 to 0.25 L/min; vol: 2 L @ 0.5 mg/cu m, max 100 L;
Stability: 30 days @ 25 deg C
[U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for
Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 4th ed. Methods A-Z &
Supplements. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Aug
1994.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Special References:
Special Reports:
Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effects
of Mercury in the Canadian Environment (1979) NRCC No. 16739
USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria
Doc: Mercury (1984) EPA 440/5-84-026
Environment Canada; Tech Info for
Problem Spills: Mercury (Draft) (1982)
USEPA; Mercury Health Effects Update
(1984) EPA 600/8-84-019F
A review of the available literature on mercury levels and toxicity
in wild mammals (excluding marine mammals).
[Wren CD; Environ Res 40
(1): 210-44 (1986)]
Miller DR, Buchanan JM;
Atmospheric Transport of Mercury: Exposure Commitment and
Uncertainty Calculations, MARC Report # 14 (1979)
WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Mercury
(1976)
NIOSH/OSHA; Occupational Health Guide
for Chemical Hazards: Inorganic Mercury (1981) DHHS Pub. NIOSH
81-123
de Flora S et al; Genotoxicity of
Mercury Compounds. A Review; Mutation Research 317 (1): 57-79 (1994)
Sirols JE, Atchison WD; Effects of
Mercurials on Ligandand Voltage Gated Ion Channels: A Review;
Neurotoxicology 17 (1): 63-84 (1996)
DeFlora S et al; Genotoxicity of
Mercury Compounds; Mutation Research 317 (1): 57-79 (1994)
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Related HSDB
Records:
1208 [MERCURY, ELEMENTAL; 7439-97-6]
4487 [MERCUROUS OXIDE]
1265 [MERCURIC OXIDE]
33 [MERCURIC CHLORIDE]
1175 [MERCURIC AMMONIUM CHLORIDE]
1221 [MERCUROUS BROMIDE]
829 [MERCURIC BROMIDE]
1220 [MERCUROUS IODIDE]
1211 [MERCURIC IODIDE]
1243 [MERCURIC POTASSIUM IODIDE]
1206 [MERCUROUS SULFATE]
1247 [MERCURIC SULFATE]
1188 [MERCURY OXIDE SULFATE]
1214 [MERCUROUS NITRATE]
1161 [MERCURIC NITRATE]
5827 [CADMIUM MERCURY SULFIDE]
1224 [MERCURIC THIOCYANATE]
1209 [MERCURIC CYANIDE]
1267 [MERCURIC POTASSIUM CYANIDE]
1244 [MERCURIC ACETATE]
6051 [MERCURY FULMINATE]
1174 [MERCURIC BENZOATE]
1199 [MERCURIC OLEATE]
1311 [MERCURY (2+) NTA]
3930 [METHYLMERCURY]
1312 [METHYL MERCURY NTA]
1551 [METHYLMERCURIC DICYANAMIDE]
6424 [ETHYLMERCURIC PHOSPHATE]
6387 [METHOXYETHYLMERCURIC ACETATE]
6363 [ETHOXYETHYL HYDROXY MERCURY]
2056 [PHENYLMERCURIC CHLORIDE]
2506 [PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE]
1670 [PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE]
1223 [MERCUROL]
3356 [MERCAPTOMERIN]
6800 [MERCUROCHROME]
Associated
Chemicals:
Mercury ion (1+);22542-11-6
Mercury ion (2+);14302-87-5
Formulations/Preparations:
/FORMER USE:/ ... OF ALKYL MERCURY COMPOUNDS, ETHYL & METHYL
COMPOUNDS HAVE BEEN USED AS PESTICIDES. METHYL MERCURY WAS AVAIL IN
FORM OF SEVERAL SALTS: EACH SOLD UNDER 1 OR MORE PROPRIETARY NAMES
INCL BIS-METHYLMERCURIC SULFATE (CEREWET), CYANOGUANIDINE OR
DICYANODIAMIDE (AGROSOL, MORSODREN, PANOGEN, PANOSPRAY), NITRILE (CHIPCOTE),
& PROPIONATE (METASOL MP). /ALKYL MERCURY CMPD/
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr.
Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and Wilkins,
1982.20]**PEER REVIEWED**
The organic mercurial antiseptics are marketed in various types of
proprietary solutions, tinctures, aerosols, creams, gels, glycerites,
and ointments, and in powder form. /Organic mercurial antiseptics/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S.
Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc. 1980.976]**PEER REVIEWED**
Shipping Name/
Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO:
UN 2024; Mercury cmpd, liquid, not
otherwise specified.
IMO 6.1; Mercury cmpd, liquid or
solid, not otherwise specified.
UN 2025; Mercury cmpd, solid, not
otherwise specified.
Standard
Transportation Number:
49 232 69; Mercury compound, solid,
not otherwise specified
EPA Hazardous Waste
Number:
D009; Mercury. A waste containing
mercury may or may not be characterized as a hazardous waste
following testing by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
regulations. /Mercury/
Administrative Information:
Hazardous
Substances Databank Number:
6943
Last Revision Date:
20030327
Last Review Date:
Reviewed by SRP on 9/14/2000
Update History:
Complete Update on 03/27/2003, 1 field
added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/24/2003, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/07/2001, 85 fields added/edited/deleted.
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