MERCURIC CYANIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
0 3 0	Health	3	Can cause serious or permanent injury.
	Flammability	0	Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
	Instability	0	Normally stable, even under fire conditions.
	Special

Odorless tetragonal crystals or white powder. Toxic by inhalation (dust, and the hydrogen cyanide from decomposition) and by ingestion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires.

none

Soluble in water. Gradually decomposed by water to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Fumes from fire may contain toxic mercury and hydrogen cyanide. (USCG, 1999)

Symptoms of both cyanide and mercury intoxication can occur. Acute poisoning has resulted from inhaling dust concentrations of 1.2-8.5 mg/m 3 of air; symptoms include tightness and pain in chest, coughing, and difficul ty in breathing; cyanide poisoning can cause anxiety, confusion, dizziness, and shortness of breath, with possible unconsciousness, convulsions, and paralysis; breath may smell like bitter almonds. Ingestion causes necrosis, pain, vomiting, an d severe purging, plus the above symptoms. Contact with eyes causes ulceration of conjunctiva and cornea. Contact with skin causes irritation and possible dermatitis; systemic poisoning can occur by absorption through skin. (USCG, 1999)

MERCURIC CYANIDE is rapidly decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas. Decomposed in the light. May tend to explosive instability. Capable of violent reaction with oxidizing agents. Fusion with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates or nitrites can cause a violent explosion [Bretherick 1979. p. 101].

• Cyanides, Inorganic

No information available.

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

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. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices 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. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. 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. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)

Dust mask; goggles or face shield; rubber gloves (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

Act quickly; call physician.

INHALATION: if victim has stopped breathing, start artificial respiration immediately; using amyl nitrite pearls, administer amyl nitrite by inhalation for 15-30 seconds of every minute while sodium nitrite solution is being prepared; discontinue amyl nitrite and immediately inject intravenously 10 ml of a 3% solution of sodium nitrite (nonsterile if necessary) over a period of 2-4 min.; without removing needle, infuse intravenously 50 ml of a 25% aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate; injection should take about 10 min. (concentrations of 5-50% may be used, but keep total dose approx. 12 gm). Oxygen therapy may be helpful in combination with the above.

INGESTION: alimentary absorption is very rapid; action during first 10-15 min. determines prognosis. Give egg whites, milk, or activated charcoal and induce vomiting; treat for cyanide poisoning as above.

EYES or SKIN: wash with water for 15 min. (USCG, 1999)

• CIANURINA
• DICYANOMERCURY
• MERCURIC CYANIDE
• MERCURIC CYANIDE (HG(CN)2)
• MERCURIC CYANIDE, [SOLID]
• MERCURY (II) CYANIDE
• MERCURY CYANIDE
• MERCURY DICYANIDE
• MERCURY(II) CYANIDE