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Product Name: Mercury Oxide
Synonyms: Mercuric oxide, Red mercury oxide, Yellow mercury oxide, Mercury(II) oxide
Chemical Formula: HgO
Molecular Weight: 216.59 g/mol
CAS Number: 21908-53-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, industrial processes, manufacturing of batteries, fungicides, pigments
Supplier Information: Manufacturer and distributor contact details should be found on the product label or invoice, typically including company name, address, emergency phone numbers
Hazard Classification: Classified as toxic and hazardous
Hazard Symbols: Skull and crossbones, Environment
GHS Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: May cause damage to organs (nervous system, kidneys) through prolonged or repeated exposure; toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust and contact with skin or eyes; wear protective equipment; prevent release to the environment
Substance: Mercury(II) oxide
Chemical Formula: HgO
Concentration: 100% (unless specified as a mixture)
Other Components: No significant impurities affect hazard classification
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention even if no symptoms appear; maintain airway and breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical help for any irritation or symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; obtain medical assistance
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention, as mercury compounds are highly toxic
Symptoms and Effects: May include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, tremors, confusion, renal and neurological symptoms; chronic exposure can lead to damage to kidneys, peripheral nerves, and other organs
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam; do not use direct water stream
Specific Hazards: Mercury oxide decomposes when heated, releasing toxic mercury vapors and oxygen which may intensify fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Fire/Explosion Hazard: Non-combustible but can release oxygen to enhance burning of other materials; decompose in strong heat, risk of toxic exposure
Personal Protection: Wear respirator, gloves, chemical goggles, and protective clothing
Evacuation: Keep unnecessary personnel and unprotected individuals away; provide adequate ventilation
Spill Response: Collect powder using non-sparking tools; avoid creating dust; place material in secure, leak-proof containers for disposal
Decontamination: Wash spill area thoroughly; prevent release to drains, soil, and water systems
Handling: Work with mercury oxide in well-ventilated locations; avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact; use tools and containers that resist corrosion
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, smoking, or using the restroom, even after handling sealed or unopened containers
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (especially organics and reducing agents); label all containers clearly
Segregation: Keep away from food, beverages, animal feed, and incompatible chemicals; do not store with combustible substances
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for mercury compounds (as Hg): 0.1 mg/m³ TWA; ACGIH TLV: 0.025 mg/m³ TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to keep exposures below established limits
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirators for mercury dust or fumes
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, latex, neoprene); lab coat or protective coveralls
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield
Hygiene Measures: Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; wash thoroughly after handling
Appearance: Red or orange-yellow odorless powder
Odor: None
Melting Point: Decomposes at around 500°C (932°F), does not melt
Boiling Point: Not applicable, decomposition occurs
Density: Approximately 11.14 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Very slightly soluble in alcohols, dilute acids; reacts with strong acids
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
pH: Not applicable
Other Properties: Sensitive to light, releases toxic mercury vapors on decomposition
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling; decomposes on heating or exposure to sunlight
Incompatibility: Strong acids, reducing agents, organic materials, ammonium salts, sulfur, phosphorus, aluminum, acetylene
Decomposition: Produces mercury vapor and oxygen gas
Hazardous Reactions: Can form explosive compounds with certain chemicals; avoid mixing with incompatible substances
Polymerization: Does not occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: Highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption; LD50 (oral, rat): 26 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can result in kidney and central nervous system damage, tremors, personality changes, memory loss, and reproductive toxicity
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by OSHA, IARC, or NTP, but chronic mercury exposure strongly linked to systemic toxicity
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust or vapors, ingestion, skin contact
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, headache, metallic taste, tremors, mood swings, skin rashes, kidney dysfunction, vision and hearing changes
Sensitization: Not reported as a sensitizer
Ecotoxicity: Extremely toxic to aquatic life, even at low concentrations; bioaccumulates in fish and aquatic organisms
Bioaccumulation: Mercury compounds persist and accumulate in the food chain, impacting fish, birds, mammals
Mobility: Binds strongly to soil particles; low mobility in soil
Degradability: Not biodegradable; remains persistent in the environment
Other Adverse Effects: Contamination of waterways increases human and animal health risks through consumption of contaminated fish or water
Waste Disposal: Handle and dispose of mercury oxide as hazardous waste according to local, regional, and national environmental regulations; never pour down the drain or into the environment
Container Recycling: Empty containers can retain hazardous residues; treat as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Use only approved waste treatments (e.g., licensed hazardous waste incineration or stabilization), never landfill with municipal refuse
UN Number: UN 1641
Proper Shipping Name: Mercury oxide
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Toxic
Special Provisions: Must be handled with extreme care during shipping; not allowed as airmail or via passenger aircraft; protect containers from damage and spillage
DOT, ADR, IMDG, IATA: Regulated under all major transport regulations; ensure proper documentation and labeling
OSHA: Subject to workplace safety standards for toxic chemicals
EPA: Regulated as a hazardous waste (RCRA D009); reportable under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) if spilled above threshold quantity
TSCA: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting requirements under Section 313 for toxic chemicals
International Lists: Included in inventories for Canada, EU, Japan, Australia, China; may be subject to export controls under international treaties
Local/State Regulations: Additional registration, handling, and disposal requirements may apply; consult local environmental and health authorities for further details
