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Mercury - Incident Management

Key Points

Fire

  • Non flammable and non combustible under normal conditions
  • Reacts with nitric acid and hot concentrated sulphuric acid. May react explosively with ammonia and violently with metals
  • In the event of a fire involving mercury, use fine water spray and liquid-tight protective clothing with breathing apparatus
  • In the event of a fire involving liquid mercury, use gas tight protective suit with breathing apparatus with liquid mercury

Health

  • Mercury poisoning can occur from ingestion, inhalation or dermal absorption
  • Very toxic
  • Inhalation of mercury vapour causes cough, breathlessness, chest tightness and pulmonary tightness within a few hours of exposure
  • Inhalation of elemental mercury globules may cause pneumonitis, haemoptysis and respiratory distress
  • Gastrointestinal upset may occur within a few hours of ingestion to inorganic mercury
  • Mercury vapour exposure to the eyes can cause conjunctivitis and eyelid tremor

Environment

  • Dangerous for the environment
  • Inform Environment Agency of substantial release incidents

 

Frequently Asked Questions      Hazard Identification

Prepared by S Bull
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2007
Version 2

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.