Phenylmercuric Nitrate

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H372 **: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P260, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P319, P321, P330, P363, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H314 (100%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H372 (100%): Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H400 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 40 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Not Classified

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P261, P264, P270, P272, P280, P302+P352, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer immediately for medical attention .

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: Some heavy metals are VERY TOXIC POISONS, especially if their salts are very soluble in water (e.g., lead, chromium, mercury, bismuth, osmium, and arsenic). IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. Also locate Ipecac syrup or a glass of salt water in case the medical advisor recommends inducing vomiting. Usually, this is NOT RECOMMENDED outside of a physician's care. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: 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 in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· 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.

· For solids, prevent dust cloud and avoid inhalation of dust.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [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 tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

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.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning material. Keep upwind. ... Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [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. For solids, prevent dust cloud and avoid inhalation of dust. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

0.1 [mg/m3], as Hg

10.0 [mg/m3], as Hg

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.1 mg/cu m, skin /Mercury, aryl cmpds, as Hg/

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Mercury, aryl compounds, as Hg/

(as Hg): 0.1 mg/m

(as Hg): skin absorption (H); sensitization of skin (SH); carcinogen category: 3

Chronic Inhalation: 0.0002 mg/m3 (L134)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or regular foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· 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 in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion.

Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the nervous system and kidneys. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing appartatus. ... Wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use ventilation (not if powder). Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety spectacles, face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.

Lustrous scales decomposing at 187-190 °C. Very slightly soluble in water. Used as an antiseptic, germicide, fungicide.

White or grey solid; [ICSC] Crystals

WHITE CRYSTALS OR GREY CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

Crystals

349 to 352 °F (NTP, 1992)

176-186 °C

less than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)

1 G SOL IN 600 ML WATER

SLIGHTLY SOLUBLE IN ALCOHOL AND GLYCERIN; MORE SOLUBLE IN THE PRESENCE OF EITHER NITRIC ACID OR ALKALI HYDROXIDES.

Insoluble in cold water

Solubility in water: poor

0.0000621 [mmHg]

... UNSTABLE, DECOMP INTO BASIC CMPD ON CONTACT WITH WATER.

AFFECTED BY LIGHT

Alkyl mercurials are very stable relative to aryl mercurials such as phenylmercury, which is rapidly broken down into Hg2+ in animals ... and the soil. /Mercurials/

Phenylmercury salts & methoxyalkylmercury cmpd decompose readily & release mercury vapor /Phenyl mercury salts/

SATURATED AQ SOLN IS ACID TO LITMUS; MELTS BETWEEN 175 DEG & 185 DEG. ...

Metals -> Metals, Organic Compounds

Very slightly soluble in water.

Organometallics

Strongly reactive with many other groups. Incompatible with acids and bases. Organometallics are good reducing agents and therefore incompatible with oxidizing agents. Often reactive with water to generate toxic or flammable gases. Generally highly toxic. Often react on contact with tissues to give toxic products.

High-affinity binding of the divalent mercuric ion to thiol or sulfhydryl groups of proteins is believed to be the major mechanism for the activity of mercury. Through alterations in intracellular thiol status, mercury can promote oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in heme metabolism. Mercury is known to bind to microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes, resulting in cell injury and death. For example, mercury is known to inhibit aquaporins, halting water flow across the cell membrane. It also inhibits the protein LCK, which causes decreased T-cell signalling and immune system depression. Mercury is also believed to inhibit neuronal excitability by acting on the postsynaptic neuronal membrane. It also affects the nervous system by inhibiting protein kinase C and alkaline phosphatase, which impairs brain microvascular formation and function, as well as alters the blood-brain barrier. Organic mercury exerts developmental effects by binding to tubulin, preventing microtubule assembly and causing mitotic inhibition. Mercury also produces an autoimmune response, likely by modification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, self peptides, T-cell receptors, or cell-surface adhesion molecules. Nitrate's toxicity is a result of it's conversion to nitrite once in the body. Nitrite causes the autocatalytic oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to hydrogen peroxide and methemoglobin. This elevation of methemoglobin levels is a condition known as methemoglobinemia, and is characterized by tissue hypoxia, as methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen. (A2450, L1613, L7, A8, A25, A26)

Ingested nitrate or nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). (L135)

Mercury mainly affects the nervous system. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems. Acrodynia, a type of mercury poisoning in children, is characterized by pain and pink discoloration of the hands and feet. Mercury poisoning can also cause Hunter-Russell syndrome and Minamata disease. Nitrate and nitrite poisoning causes methemoglobinemia. Nitrites may cause pregnancy complications and developmental effects. They may also be carcinogenic. (L1137, L7)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

Oral (L7) ; inhalation (L7) ; dermal (L7)

Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Skin burns. Pain.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe burns.

Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Shock or collapse.

Common symptoms include peripheral neuropathy (presenting as paresthesia or itching, burning or pain), skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes), edema (swelling), and desquamation (dead skin peels off in layers). Nitrate and nitrite poisoning causes methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include cyanosis, cardiac dysrhythmias and circulatory failure, and progressive central nervous system (CNS) effects. CNS effects can range from mild dizziness and lethargy to coma and convulsions. (L1137, A5)

Neurotoxin - Sensorimotor

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

LD50: 8 mg/kg (Phenylmercuric compounds) (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (T41)

LD50 Mouse ip 8 mg/kg /PhHg/

Mercury poisoning is treated by immediate decontamination and chelation therapy using DMSA, DMPS, DPCN, or dimercaprol. (A7)

... PROPERLY DIL SOLN ARE NOT IRRITATING TO TISSUES, RASH DUE TO HYPERSENSITIVITY ... REPORTED.

IN IN VITRO TESTS ON HUMAN SPERM, THE ORDER OF SPERMICIDAL POTENCY WAS: PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE WAS GREATER THAN BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE WAS GREATER THAN SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE WAS GREATER THAN PROPYLPARABEN WAS GREATER THAN METHYLPARABEN WAS GREATER THAN LACTIC ACID WAS GREATER THAN BORIC ACID WAS GREATER THAN RICINOLEIC ACID. OINTMENTS CONTAINING A SINGLE SPERMICIDE WERE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THOSE CONTAINING SPERMICIDE COMBINATIONS.

IMMEDIATE STERILITY AFTER VASECTOMY USING PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE AS A SPERMICIDE IS DISCUSSED.

Phenylmercury absorbed through the skin from contaminated diapers affected urinary excretion in infants in Buenos Aires. The effects were reversible and quantitatively related to the concn of urinary Hg. /Phenylmercury cmpd/

LAB INVESTIGATIONS WERE CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE EFFECTS OF SELECTED MERCURY CMPD ON ALGAL ISOLATES. PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE (PMA) WAS THE MOST TOXIC MERCURIAL TESTED, FOLLOWED IN DECREASING ORDER BY PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE, MERCURIC CHLORIDE, MERCURIC ACETATE, AND MERCURIC NITRATE. DEATH OCCURRED WITHIN 25 DAYS OF EXPOSURE @ CONCN BETWEEN 0.1 & 100.0 PPM.

CONCENTRATED SOLN /OF PHENYLMERCURIC SALTS/ ARE IRRITATING TO SKIN & INJURIOUS TO CORNEA /OF RABBITS/ . SEVERE REACTION IS INDUCED BY 0.1 MOLAR PHENYLMERCURIC CHLORIDE. /PHENYLMERCURIC SALTS/

In subacute & chronic poisonings & probably sometimes in the late stages of acute poisonings, these organomercurials /aryl & alkoxyalkyl mercury/ appear to produce intoxication syndromes that are in practice indistinguishable from those induced by inorganic mercury. For example, renal damage has been reported in rats & mice given repeated parenteral doses of phenylmercuric salts & of alkoxyalkyl mercurials. /Aryl and alkoxyalkyl mercury/

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in fish and crustacea. Avoid release to the environment in circumstances different to normal use.

Phenylmercuric nitrate's production and use as a cosmetic bactericide may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. It's former use as a tree wound dressing and paint biocide resulted in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, phenylmercuric nitrate, as a salt, is expected to exist in the particulate-phase and may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition. Phenylmercuric nitrate absorbs light in the environmental UV spectrum and may be degraded in the atmosphere by direct photolysis. If released to soil, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to have moderate to low mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 520. However, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to dissociate in moist soils to the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that mobility may be much lower in some soils. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form. Transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds is expected in soil. Photodegradation at soil and water surfaces may occur. If released into water, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to dissociate to the cation which may adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than its neutral counterpart. Volatilization from water surfaces will not be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment. This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it will dissociate rapidly in water. Occupational exposure to phenylmercuric nitrate may occur through inhalation of dust particles and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where phenylmercuric nitrate is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to phenylmercuric nitrate via dermal contact with this compound in consumer products and pharmaceuticals containing phenylmercuric nitrate. Although the use of mercury biocides in latex paint has been discontinued, it is possible that people who use old latex paint in their homes will be exposed to mercury for a considerable time. (SRC)

Phenylmercuric nitrates's production and use as a cosmetic bactericide(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. In addition, its former use(2) as a tree wound dressing(3) and paint biocide(4) resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 520(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that phenylmercuric nitrate should have moderate to low mobility in soil(SRC). However, this compound is expected to dissociate in moist soils to the cation. As cations may adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC). Phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to be transformed into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds in soil(3). When added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany, this compound underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate over a 14-day period; this was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds(3). Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment. Phenylmercuric nitrate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) as it is a salt. Photodegradation of phenylmercuric nitrate on soil surfaces may occur(4,5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 520(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that non-dissociated phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). This compound is expected to dissociate in water forming the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment(SRC). This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it dissociates rapidly in water. Phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to be transformed into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds in water(SRC) based on a soil study(3). When added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany, this compound underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate over a 14-day period; this was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds(3). A photodegradation half-life of 20 hours was measured for phenylmercuric nitrate in distilled water(4).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Phenylmercuric nitrate is a salt and is thus not expected to volatilize in the environment(SRC). Particulate-phase phenylmercuric nitrate may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Arylmercury salts (e.g. phenylmercuric nitrate) absorb light in the environmental spectrum and have the potential for direct photolysis(1,2).

Phenylmercuric nitrate added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany (13.7 mg per lysimeter, aerated for a 14-day period and subjected to 800 ml artificial rain) underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate. This was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds in soil(1).

Arylmercury salts (e.g. phenylmercuric nitrate) may also decompose to metallic mercury by a radical mechanism catalyzed by light(1,2). Based on experimental data, the minimum half-life for photodegradation in sunlight (Sept, Northern Georgia, U.S.) was estimated to be 20 hours(2).

This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it dissociates rapidly in water forming phenylmercuric cation. (SRC)

Phenylmercury spray residues are strongly adsorbed onto soil clay particles. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 6 with significant reductions at pH 5 or 7.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for phenylmercuric nitrate can be estimated to be 520(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to have moderate to low mobility in soil. However, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to dissociate in moist soil to the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that this compound's mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC).

... A large fraction of the spray residue was found in the soil 30-50 days after application; the rest of the Hg was lost by vaporization (either as the organic cmpd or after conversion to Hg metal) or by migration to lower soil horizons since water containing organic cmpd from decomposing vegetable matter can leach adsorbed Hg. /Phenylmercury spray/

Volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound will exist in the dissociated form in the environment. Phenylmercuric nitrate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces as it is a salt. (SRC)

Occupational exposure to phenylmercuric nitrate may occur through inhalation of dust particles and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where phenylmercuric nitrate is produced or used. (SRC)

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in fish and crustacea. Avoid release to the environment in circumstances different to normal use.

Phenylmercuric nitrate's production and use as a cosmetic bactericide may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. It's former use as a tree wound dressing and paint biocide resulted in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, phenylmercuric nitrate, as a salt, is expected to exist in the particulate-phase and may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition. Phenylmercuric nitrate absorbs light in the environmental UV spectrum and may be degraded in the atmosphere by direct photolysis. If released to soil, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to have moderate to low mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 520. However, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to dissociate in moist soils to the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that mobility may be much lower in some soils. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form. Transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds is expected in soil. Photodegradation at soil and water surfaces may occur. If released into water, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to dissociate to the cation which may adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than its neutral counterpart. Volatilization from water surfaces will not be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment. This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it will dissociate rapidly in water. Occupational exposure to phenylmercuric nitrate may occur through inhalation of dust particles and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where phenylmercuric nitrate is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to phenylmercuric nitrate via dermal contact with this compound in consumer products and pharmaceuticals containing phenylmercuric nitrate. Although the use of mercury biocides in latex paint has been discontinued, it is possible that people who use old latex paint in their homes will be exposed to mercury for a considerable time. (SRC)

Phenylmercuric nitrates's production and use as a cosmetic bactericide(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. In addition, its former use(2) as a tree wound dressing(3) and paint biocide(4) resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 520(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that phenylmercuric nitrate should have moderate to low mobility in soil(SRC). However, this compound is expected to dissociate in moist soils to the cation. As cations may adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC). Phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to be transformed into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds in soil(3). When added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany, this compound underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate over a 14-day period; this was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds(3). Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment. Phenylmercuric nitrate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) as it is a salt. Photodegradation of phenylmercuric nitrate on soil surfaces may occur(4,5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 520(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that non-dissociated phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). This compound is expected to dissociate in water forming the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment(SRC). This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it dissociates rapidly in water. Phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to be transformed into other organic and inorganic mercury compounds in water(SRC) based on a soil study(3). When added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany, this compound underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate over a 14-day period; this was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds(3). A photodegradation half-life of 20 hours was measured for phenylmercuric nitrate in distilled water(4).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Phenylmercuric nitrate is a salt and is thus not expected to volatilize in the environment(SRC). Particulate-phase phenylmercuric nitrate may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Arylmercury salts (e.g. phenylmercuric nitrate) absorb light in the environmental spectrum and have the potential for direct photolysis(1,2).

Phenylmercuric nitrate added to an undisturbed soil sample taken from the banks of a small mercury-contaminated river in Bavaria, Germany (13.7 mg per lysimeter, aerated for a 14-day period and subjected to 800 ml artificial rain) underwent a 81% loss of phenylmercuric nitrate. This was attributed to the transformation of phenylmercuric nitrate to inorganic Hg compounds in soil(1).

Arylmercury salts (e.g. phenylmercuric nitrate) may also decompose to metallic mercury by a radical mechanism catalyzed by light(1,2). Based on experimental data, the minimum half-life for photodegradation in sunlight (Sept, Northern Georgia, U.S.) was estimated to be 20 hours(2).

This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it dissociates rapidly in water forming phenylmercuric cation. (SRC)

Phenylmercury spray residues are strongly adsorbed onto soil clay particles. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 6 with significant reductions at pH 5 or 7.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for phenylmercuric nitrate can be estimated to be 520(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to have moderate to low mobility in soil. However, phenylmercuric nitrate is expected to dissociate in moist soil to the cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that this compound's mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC).

... A large fraction of the spray residue was found in the soil 30-50 days after application; the rest of the Hg was lost by vaporization (either as the organic cmpd or after conversion to Hg metal) or by migration to lower soil horizons since water containing organic cmpd from decomposing vegetable matter can leach adsorbed Hg. /Phenylmercury spray/

Volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because this compound will exist in the dissociated form in the environment. Phenylmercuric nitrate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces as it is a salt. (SRC)

Occupational exposure to phenylmercuric nitrate may occur through inhalation of dust particles and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where phenylmercuric nitrate is produced or used. (SRC)

Prior to 1991, phenylmercuric compounds were used as biocides in 25-30% of interior and exterior latex paint; however, this use of mercury was voluntarily discontinued for interior paint in 1990 and for exterior paint in 1991(1). The use of phenylmercury resulted in the exposure of house painters and residents to mercury vapors in the homes where interior and exterior latex paint was applied(1). Although the use of mercury biocides in latex paint has been discontinued, it is possible that people who use old latex paint in their homes will be exposed to mercury for a considerable time(1). Furthermore, although phenylmercury use in exterior latex paints was discontinued in 1991, paint companies were allowed to continue to produce and sell paint containing phenylmercury until the existing stocks of phenylmercury were exhausted(1).

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.

/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Health: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an 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. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas.

/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1895; Phenylmercuric nitrate

IMO 6.1; Phenylmercuric nitrate

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Severe marine pollutant.

Symbol: T, N; R: 25-34-48/24/25-50/53; S: (1/2)-23-24/25-37-45-60-61

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II