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Chemical Datasheet

MERCURIC SULFIDE

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 1344-48-5
  • 2025
  • Poison
  • MSF
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Mercury compounds [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg) none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
Odorless red or black solid. Sinks in water. Insoluble in water.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Readily oxidized as to be pyrophoric in air [Bretherick 1979. p. 120].
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Smoke from fire contains poisonous mercury vapor and irritating sulfur dioxide gas.

Behavior in Fire: Changes color when hot. Decomposes at burning temperature. The black form may soften, and molten sulfur may flow out and burn. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Acute poisoning can result from inhaling dust concentrations of 1.2-8.5 mg/m 3 in air; symptoms include pain and tightness in chest, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. If ingested, toxicity depends on release of t he Hg ++ ion; chronic mercury poisoning can cause kidney, mental, and nervous disturbances. Dust irritates eyes and frequently causes allergic dermatitis; absorption through skin can cause systemic poisoning. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
Inorganic reducing agents, such as MERCURIC SULFIDE, react with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 151 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (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)
Firefighting
Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Other agents may be ineffective.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water, foam, sand (USCG, 1999)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 151 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

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. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Dust mask; goggles or face shield; protective gloves (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
INHALATION: remove to fresh air; give artificial respiration if breathing has stopped.

INGESTION: give egg whites, milk, or activated charcoal; induce vomiting; consult physician.

EYES: flush with water.

SKIN: wash with soap and water. (USCG, 1999)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • HgS
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 8 at 68°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: 232.7 (USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: 10 mg Hg/m3 (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

No PAC information available.

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Mercury Compounds N458 & 313

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names