redLikely to cause
orangeCan cause
yellowMay cause

MERCURY

CAS: 7439-97-6

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) Effects

Toxic To Humans & Animals, priority orange
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Toxicity or fatality on contact, ingestion or inhalation to humans and other mammals.
Eye Irritation, priority yellow
Eye Irritation – Irritation or serious damage to the eyes.

Chronic (Long Term) Effects

Birth Defects, priority red
Birth Defects – Harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Pbt (persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant), priority red
PBT (Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant) – Harm in small quantities while not breaking down readily from natural processes, accumulating in organisms, and concentrating as it moves up the food chain.
Other Health Effects, priority orange
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.
Reproductive Harm, priority red
Reproductive Harm – Disruption of the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of the fetus during pregnancy.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Interference with the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior.
Cancer, priority orange
Cancer – Increased cancer risk.
Skin Sensitization, priority orange
Skin Sensitization – Allergic skin reactions.

Inherent Hazards

Restricted List, priority blue
Restricted List – This chemical is on a list from an authoritative body recommending that its use be avoided.
Reactive, priority yellow
Reactive – May spontaneously ignite or explode on its own or in contact with water.

How does this chemical impact the environment?

Persistent, priority red
Persistent – Does not break down readily from natural processes.
Acute Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Acute Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Biological harm or possible death to fish or other aquatic organisms following a single exposure.
Chronic Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Chronic Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Irreversible harm to fish or other aquatic organisms following long term exposure.

What safer alternatives are available for this chemical?

Find case studies related to substitutions for this chemical in SubsPORT, the substitution support portal.

How am I likely to be exposed to this chemical?

Fatal if inhaled
Inhalation

How can I protect myself from exposure to this chemical in the workplace?

respirator
Respirator
suit
Protective clothing