Stronger effect / evidence
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Weaker effect / evidence

MERCURY

CAS: 7439-97-6

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) EffectsData sources

Toxic To Humans & Animals, priority orange
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Can be fatal on contact, ingestion or inhalation for humans and other mammals.
Irritates The Eyes, priority yellow
Irritates the Eyes – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the eye.

Chronic (Long Term) EffectsData sources

Brain/nervous System Harm, priority gray
Brain/Nervous System Harm – Can cause damage to the nervous system including the brain.
Cancer, priority gray
Cancer – Can cause or increase the risk of cancer.
Birth Defects, priority red
Birth Defects – Can cause 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) – Does not break down readily from natural processes, accumulates in organisms concentrating as it moves up the food chain, and is harmful in small quantities.
Other Health Effects, priority orange
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.
Reproductive Harm, priority red
Reproductive Harm – Can disrupt 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 – Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior (the endocrine system).
Sensitizes The Skin, priority orange
Sensitizes the Skin – Can lead to allergic reactions on the skin.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Brain/Nervous System Harm

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Neurotoxic
    G&L - Neurotoxic Chemicals
    Lancet: authors Philippe Grandjean & Phil Landrigan

Direct Hazard » Cancer

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • (1986) Group D - Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity
    US EPA - IRIS Carcinogens
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Group 3 - Agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
    IARC
    International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization (IARC)
  • Carcinogen Group 3B - Evidence of carcinogenic effects but not sufficient for classification
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)

Direct Hazard » Birth Defects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Developmental toxicity
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)
  • H360D - May damage the unborn child [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Pregnancy Risk Group D
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • H360D - May damage the unborn child [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health

Direct Hazard » PBT (Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant)

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Priority PBT
    US EPA - Priority PBTs (NWMP)
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Priority PBT
    US EPA - Priority PBTs (PPT)
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • PBT
    US EPA - Toxics Release Inventory PBTs
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • PBT - Chemical for Priority Action
    OSPAR - Priority PBTs & EDs & equivalent concern
    Oslo-Paris Convention Commission (OSPAR)

Direct Hazard » Other Health Effects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following repeated exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H370 - Causes damage to organs [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following single exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (unverified) [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)

Direct Hazard » Reproductive Harm

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Reproductive toxicants: Category 1B
    EU - REACH Annex XVII CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H360 - May damage fertility or the unborn child [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • Reproductive toxicity category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
  • H360 - May damage fertility or the unborn child [Toxic to reproduction - Category 1A]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • Reproductive Toxicity - Category 1B
    EU - Annex VI CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H360FD - May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H360 - Suspected of / May damage fertility and/or the unborn child (unverified) [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Endocrine Disruption

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Potential Endocrine Disruptor
    TEDX - Potential Endocrine Disruptors
    The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX)

Direct Hazard » Sensitizes the Skin

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Sensitizing Substance Sh - Danger of skin sensitization
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • Skin sensitisation category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
  • H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction [Skin sensitizer - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan

Mercury Compounds, Inorganic » Brain/Nervous System Harm

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • Neurotoxic
    Boyes - Neurotoxicants
    Pattys Toxicology: author William K Boyes
Close

Inherent HazardsData sources

Restricted List, priority gray
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.

Data sources

Mercury Compounds » Restricted List

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • HAPs subject to the Clean Air Act
    US EPA - Hazardous Air Pollutants
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Biological Nutrients
    C2C Certified v3 Banned List (out of date)
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Technical Nutrients
    C2C Certified v3 Banned List (out of date)
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Chemicals Removed or Consolidated from TSCA Work Plan Chemicals
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Priority Chemicals
    ME DEP - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Maine Department of Environmental Protection
  • Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    WA DoE - Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Washington State Department of Ecology (WA DOE)
  • Core Restrictions
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Biological and Environmentally Released Materials
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Children's Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics
    US FDA - Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics
    US Food and Drug Administration
  • Limit of harmful substances in industrial protective coatings (GB 30981-2020)
    China's limit standard for volatile organic compounds
    State Administration for Market Regulation - Standardization Administration of China
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Compounds of Cadmium, Chromium VI, Lead, and Mercury
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Food Service Ware RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)

Direct Hazard » Restricted List

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Red List substance to avoid in Living Building Challenge V2.1 projects
    Living Building Challenge 2.1 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals (retired in 2014)
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Precautionary list of substances recommended for avoidance
    P&W - Precautionary List
    Perkins+Will (P+W)
  • Annex II Restricted Substances
    EU - ROHS
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Chemicals of high concern
    SCHF - Hazardous 100
    Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF)
  • Substance to avoid to fulfill LEED Pilot Credit 54 Option 1
    USGBC - LEED Pilot Credits
    US Green Building Council (USGBC)
  • Candidate Chemical List
    CA SCP - Candidate Chemicals
    California Department of Toxic Substance Control (CA DTSC)
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V3 projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals (retiring December 31, 2024)
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Substances selected for RMOA or hazard assessment
    EU - PACT-RMOA Substances
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • SNUR (Significant New Use Rule)
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • V3 2014 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Certain Metals
    GSPI - Six Classes of Problematic Chemicals
    Green Science Policy Institute (GSPI)
  • Substances restricted under REACH
    EU - REACH Annex XVII non-CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products
    Health Canada - Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
    Health Canada
  • Chemicals of High Concern
    MDH - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Minnesota Department of Public Health
  • Annex II - Prohibited Substances
    EU - Cosmetics Regulation
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Designated Chemical
    CA DTSC - Biomonitoring California Chemical List
    California Department of Toxic Substance Control (CA DTSC)
  • CoHC List (non SVHC)
    CPA - Chemical Footprint
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Formulated Consumer Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • ZDHC - MRSL v1.1 for Textiles and Synthetic Leather Processing
    ZDHC - MRSL v1.1
    Zero Discharge of Hazardous Waste Chemicals Programme
  • ZDHC - MRSL v1.1 for Natural Leather Processing
    ZDHC - MRSL v1.1
    Zero Discharge of Hazardous Waste Chemicals Programme
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V3.1 projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.1 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals (retiring December 31, 2024)
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V4.0 projects
    Living Building Challenge 4.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals - Effective April 1, 2023
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • 2019 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Tier 1 “Do Not Use Chemicals” for Everyone
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Red List of Chemicals of Concern
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
  • Prohibited Chemicals
    Credo Beauty's Restricted Substance List
    Credo
  • Declarable and Reference Substance Lists (DSL and RSL)
    IEC 62474 - Material Declaration for Products of and for the Electrotechnical Industry
    International Electrotechnical Commission
  • Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Vermont Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Vermont Environmental Health Division
  • Reportable Chemicals
    MA Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) listed substances
    Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
  • Food Contact Chemicals Database Version 5.0
    Food Contact Chemicals Database (FCCdb)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Contact Chemicals of Concern List (FCCoCL) - TIER 1
    Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoCL)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Contact Chemicals of Concern List (FCCoCL) - TIER 2
    Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoCL)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
  • Substances Restricted in Toys
    The Toy Safety Directive
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Metals
    American Apparel and Footwear Association Restricted Substance List (AAFA RSL)
    American Apparel and Footwear Association
  • ZDHC - MRSL v2.0
    ZDHC - MRSL v2.0
    Zero Discharge of Hazardous Waste Chemicals Programme
  • EDF Key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
    EDF Key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
    Environmental Defense Fund
  • FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    Food Safety Alliance for Packaging (FSAP)
  • FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Packaging Forum Priority Substances List
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Food Service Ware RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory - Active
    TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (Active-Inactive)
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Heavy Metals (Total Content)
    AFIRM Packaging RSL
    The Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group (AFIRM)
  • European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (Eu RoHS) Directive (Electronics)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Metals and their Compounds (non-Electronic): Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Organotin, and Antimony
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • European union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (Eu RoHS) Directive (Electronics)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Metals and their Compounds (non-Electronic): Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Organotin, and Antimony
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Firefighting Foam RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Textile Chemicals RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • GADSL Declarable or Prohibited Substances (D/P)
    Global Automotive Declarable Substance List (GADSL)
    Global Automotive Stakeholder Group (GASG)
  • European union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (Eu RoHS) Directive (Electronics)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Metals and their Compounds (non-Electronic)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • European union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (Eu RoHS) Directive (Electronics)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Metals and their Compounds (non-Electronic)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • GreenScreen List Translator LT-1
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Tier 1 “Do Not Use” Chemicals of Greater Concern for Black Women
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Red List of Chemicals of Concern
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Direct Hazard » Reactive

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Class E - Corrosive materials
    Québec CSST - WHMIS 1988
    Québec Workplace Health and Safety Commission (Commission de la santé et de la securite du travail (CSST))
  • Corrosive to metals category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
  • H290 - May be corrosive to metals (unverified) [Corrosive to metals - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Mercury Compounds, Inorganic » Restricted List

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • Annex III Restricted Pesticide
    UNEP - PIC Annex III
    United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • Prospective Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals (retiring December 31, 2024)
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)

[92355-34-5] Mercury (primary Casrn Is 7439-97-6) » Restricted List

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • Watch List Substances Considered for Inclusion in the Living Building Challenge Red List
    Living Building Challenge 4.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals - Effective April 1, 2023
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
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How does this chemical impact the environment?Data sources

Persistent, priority red
Persistent – Does not break down readily from natural processes.
Immediate Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – A single exposure may result in severe biological harm or death to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Long-term Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Long term exposure may result in irreversible harm to fish or other aquatic organisms.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Persistent

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Persistent
    EC - CEPA DSL
    Environment Canada & Health Canada (EC)

Direct Hazard » Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life (unverified) [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment - acute category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)

Direct Hazard » Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (unverified) [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
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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