Mercuric cyanide

H300+H310+H330 (92.7%): Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]

H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H310 (100%): Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H330 (100%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H373 (100%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H400 (92.7%): 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]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 41 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.

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

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

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

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

P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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)

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.

Specific First Aid:

· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

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 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, 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. (ERG, 2024)

Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.

If material 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 "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers must not be used where cyanide salts are present. /Cyanide salts/

· 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.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· 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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 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 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.

Environmental considerations: Land spill; Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire-fighting water.

Environmental considerations: Water spill; Add caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). If dissolved, apply sodium sulfide solution to precipitate heavy metals. Add calcium hypochlorite. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Adjust pH to neutral (pH 7). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.

WASTE CYANIDE SALTS FROM CASE HARDENING OF STEEL ARE DESTROYED BY REACTING THE SALTS AT 650-700 DEG WITH WASTE FERRIC HYDROXIDE SLUDGES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. /Cyanide salts/

Spills of cyanide salts should be immediately and carefully cleaned up by shoveling the material into a proper container. Care must be exercised to minimize any dispersal of cyanide dust into the air. /Cyanide salts/

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P030, D003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D009, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Cyanide salts should not be flushed into any drain which may contain or subsequently receive acid waste. ... Cyanide process waste solutions and flushings from spills should be passed through a cyanide waste disposal system. /Cyanide salts/

PERSONS WHO WORK WITH & AROUND CYANIDE PREPN SHOULD BE GIVEN SPECIFIC DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON MANAGEMENT OF CYANIDE POISONING. /CYANIDES/

Eyewash facilities and emergency showers shall be provided in areas where contact with ... cyanide salts as either solids or solutions is likely. Work clothing which has been contaminated by absorption of, or contact with, cyanide shall be thoroughly laundered before it is worn again. /Hydrogen cyanide & cyanide salts/

If the clothing is to be laundered or otherwise cleaned to remove the cyanide, the person performing the operation should be informed of cyanide's hazardous properties. /Cyanides/

Two physician's treatment kits shall be immediately available to trained medical personnel at each plant where there is a potential for the release of, accidental or otherwise, or for contact with, hydrogen cyanide or cyanide salts. ... First-aid kits shall be immediately available at workplaces where there is potential for the release, accidental or otherwise, of hydrogen cyanide or a potential for exposure to cyanide salts. ... Pertinent medical records shall be maintained for 5 years following the last exposure to hydrogen cyanide or cyanide salts. /Hydrogen cyanide & cyanide salts/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 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, 2024)

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids.

PROTECT FROM LIGHT

Storage temperature: Ambient

ALL CONTAINERS OF CYANIDE SALTS SHOULD BE KEPT COVERED OR IN EXHAUSTED HOOD WHEN NOT IN USE. /CYANIDE SALTS/

For more Storage Conditions (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

· 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.

0.02 [mg/m3], as Hg, inhalable fraction (2 mg/m3, as CN, inhalable fraction)[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

0.0091 [ppm]

0.25 [ppm]

0.50 [ppm]

0.1 [mg/m3], as Hg (5 mg/m3, as CN)

10 mg Hg/m3 (NIOSH, 2024)

10.0 [mg/m3], as Hg

10 mg/cu m (as Hg) /Mercury cmpd (except (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg)/

0.02 [mg/m3], as Hg

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.025 mg/cu m, skin /Mercury, elemental and inorganic forms, 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, elemental and inorganic forms, Hg/

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen./Mercury, elemental and inorganic forms, Hg/

Biological Exposure Index (BEI): Determinant: total inorganic mercury in urine; Sampling Time: prior to shift; BEI: 35 ug/g creatine. The determinant may be present in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration which could affect interpretation of the result. Such background concentrations are incorporated in the BEI value. /Mercury/

Biological Exposure Index (BEI): Determinant: total inorganic mercury in blood; Sampling Time: end of shift at end of workweek; BEI: 15 ug/L. The determinant may be present in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration which could affect interpretation of the result. Such background concentrations are incorporated in the BEI value. /Mercury/

Chronic Inhalation: 0.0002 mg/m3 (Mercury) (L134)

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, 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.

Inorganic cyanide standards: Bulgaria 0.3 mg/cu m; Czechoslovakia 3-15 mg/cu m; Finland 7 mg/cu m; Federal Republic of Germany 5 mg/cu m; Hungary 0.3 mg/cu m; Poland 0.3 mg/cu m; Romania 0.3 mg/cu m; USSR 0.3 mg/cu m; and Yugoslavia 5 mg/cu m. /Calcium, potassium, sodium, cyanide salts/

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

Chemical safety goggles shall be worn by employees engaged in any operation wherein there is danger or likelihood that dusts or solutions of cyanide salts will come into contact with the eye. Full-length face shields with forehead protection shall be worn by employees engaged in any operation wherein there is danger or likelihood that dusts, molten salts, or solutions of cyanide salts may contact the face. /Cyanide salts/

Respirator Selection: Less than or equal to 25 mg/cu m: (1) Filter type respirators, approved for toxic dust, with half-mask (not applicable for calcium cyanide). (2) Chemical cartridge respirators with replaceable cartridge for toxic dusts and acid gases; With half-mask. Maximum service life 4 hr. Less than or equal to 50 mg/cu m: (1) Full-face gas mask, chest or back mounted type, with industrial size canister for toxic dust and hydrocyanic acid gas. Maximum service life 2 hr. (2) Type C supplied air-respirator, continuous-flow or pressure-demand type (positive pressure) with full facepiece. (3) Type A supplied-air respirator, (hose mask with blower) with full facepiece. Greater than 50 mg/cu m: (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with positive pressure in full facepiece. (2) Combination supplied-air respirator pressure-demand type with auxiliary self-contained air supply. Emergency (no concentration limit): (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with positive pressure in facepiece. (2) Combination supplied-air respirator, pressure-demand type, with auxiliary self-contained air supply. Evacuation or Escape (no concentration limit): (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus in demand or pressure-demand mode (negative or positive pressure). (2) Full-face gas mask, front or back mount type with industrial size canister for toxic dust and hydrocyanic acid gas. /Cyanide salts/

WHERE SKIN CAN BE EXPOSED ... PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, INCLUDING IMPERVIOUS HAND PROTECTION, SHOULD BE PROVIDED. /CYANIDES/

Mercuric cyanide appears as 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.

Colorless to white powder that darkens with light exposure; [Merck Index] Soluble in cold water (9.3 g/100 ml); [Sullivan, p. 707]

Colorless, tetragonal crystals or white powder

Transparent prisms

Odorless

Decomposes

Decomposes at 320 °C

1 g/13 ml water; 1 g/2 ml boiling water

1 g /13 ml alcohol; 1 g/4 ml methanol

Slightly soluble in ether.

9.3 G SOL IN 100 ML WATER @ 14 °C

For more Solubility (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

4 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

4.00 g/cu cm @ 20 °C

3.996 @25 °C

WHEN HEATED TO DECOMPOSITION IT EMITS VERY TOXIC FUMES OF /MERCURY, NITROGEN OXIDES AND HYDROGEN CYANIDE/.

May decompose on exposure to light.

Toxic gases and vapors (such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide) may be released when cyanide decomposes. /Cyanide/

Decomposes prior to melting. ... If involved in a fire decomposes to produce hydrogen cyanide, mercury and mercuric oxide fumes, oxides of nitrogen.

INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.645

Light sensitive

When heated, it decomposes to mercury and cyanide and may explode if detonated.

Metals -> Mercury Compounds, Inorganic

Reactive agents - 1st degree

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

Cyanides, Inorganic

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].

FLUORINE & MERCURIC CYANIDE REACT VIGOROUSLY WHEN GENTLY HEATED, PRODUCING FLAMES.

Magnesium reacts with incandescence on heating with ... copper cyanide, nickel cyanide and zinc cyanide. With gold cyanide or mercury cyanide, the cyanogen released by thermal decomposition of these salts reacts explosively with magnesium.

Mixtures of sodium nitrite and various cyanides explode on heating, including potassium cyanide ... or mercury(II) cyanide.

Fusion of mixtures of metal cyanides with metal chlorates, perchlorates, or nitrates ... causes a violent explosion. /Metal cyanides/

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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. 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.Organic nitriles decompose into cyanide ions both in vivo and in vitro. Consequently the primary mechanism of toxicity for organic nitriles is their production of toxic cyanide ions or hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide is an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain (found in the membrane of the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells). It complexes with the ferric iron atom in this enzyme. The binding of cyanide to this cytochrome prevents transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen. As a result, the electron transport chain is disrupted and the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP for energy. Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected. Cyanide is also known produce some of its toxic effects by binding to catalase, glutathione peroxidase, methemoglobin, hydroxocobalamin, phosphatase, tyrosinase, ascorbic acid oxidase, xanthine oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Cyanide binds to the ferric ion of methemoglobin to form inactive cyanmethemoglobin. (L7, A8, A25, A26, L97)

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Mercury, elemental and inorganic forms, as Hg/

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

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. Exposure to high levels of cyanide for a short time harms the brain and heart and can even cause coma, seizures, apnea, cardiac arrest and death. Chronic inhalation of cyanide causes breathing difficulties, chest pain, vomiting, blood changes, headaches, and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Skin contact with cyanide salts can irritate and produce sores. (L7, L96, L97)

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

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). Cyanide poisoning is identified by rapid, deep breathing and shortness of breath, general weakness, giddiness, headaches, vertigo, confusion, convulsions/seizures and eventually loss of consciousness. (A5, L96, L97)

Neurotoxin - Sensorimotor

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

Other Poison - Chemical Asphyxiant

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

LD50: 33 mg/kg (Oral, Mouse) (T14)

LD50: 2710 ug/kg (Subcutaneous, Dog) (T14)

LD50 Mouse oral 33 mg/kg

LD50 Dog sc 2710 ug/kg

Mercury poisoning is treated by immediate decontamination and chelation therapy using DMSA, DMPS, DPCN, or dimercaprol. Antidotes to cyanide poisoning include hydroxocobalamin and sodium nitrite, which release the cyanide from the cytochrome system, and rhodanase, which is an enzyme occurring naturally in mammals that combines serum cyanide with thiosulfate, producing comparatively harmless thiocyanate. Oxygen therapy can also be administered. (A7, L97)

/Experimental therapy:/ An approach to antidote therapy for cyanide poisoning by using Stroma-Free Methemoglobin Solution was investigated. Rats injected with an LD100 intravenous dose of cyanide were treated with Stroma-Free Methemoglobin Solution equal to 1.5% of their total body hemoglobin. There was a highly significant increase in the survival rate of the treated group compared to saline controls. The potential advantages of Stroma-Free Methemoglobin Solution over current antidotes include an immediate onset of action, rapid elimination of cyanide from the body and a mode of action that doesn't compromise any of the patients' oxygen carrying capacity. Stroma-Free Methemoglobin Solution shows promise as a significant adjunct in the treatment of cyanide poisoning. /Cyanide/

Basic Treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 l/min. Administer amyl nitrite ampules as per protocol and physician order ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, Rush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/

Advanced Treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Administer cyanide antidote kit as per protocol and physician order ... . Monitor and treat cardiac arrhythmias if necessary ... . Consider vasopressors to treat hypotension without signs of hypovolemia ... . Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/

Although a variety of agents are effective antidotes in the experimental animal (nitrites, dimethylaminophenol, cobalt EDTA, hydroxocobalamin, stroma-free methemoglobin solutions, pyruvate, thiosulfate, sulfur sulfanes, mercaptopyruvate, oxygen) only the three-step Eli-Lilly cyanide kit is approved in the US. /Cyanide/

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Initial medical examination /should include/: a complete history and physical examination ... to detect existing conditions that might place the exposed employee at incr risk & to establish a baseline for future health monitoring. ... Examination of cardiovascular, nervous, & upper resp systems, & thyroid should be stressed. The skin should be exam for evidence of chronic disorders. ... The aforementioned medical exam should be repeated on an annual basis. ... /Cyanides/

Pre-placement and periodic examinations should include the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, liver and kidney function, blood, history of fainting and dizzy spells. Blood cyanide levels may be useful during acute intoxication. Urinary thiocyanate levels have been used but are nonspecific and are elevated in smokers.

Methemoglobin Measurement: Measurement of methemoglobin may be useful for assessing exposure. However, methemoglobin levels may be artificially low if not analyzed within a few hours after drawing the blood. Methemoglobin levels have been found to correlate with clinical symptoms in most cases. /Cyanide/

Arterial Blood Gases: Arterial blood gases may be useful for monitoring of metabolic acidosis that can occur from cyanide poisoning. /Cyanide/

For more Medical Surveillance (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

MOST SPECIFIC PATHOLOGICAL FINDING IN ACUTE CASES /OF CYANIDE POISONING/ IS BRIGHT RED COLOR OF VENOUS BLOOD. THIS IS STRIKING, VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF INABILITY OF TISSUE CELLS TO UTILIZE OXYGEN ... VENOUS BLOOD IS ONLY ABOUT 1 VOL% LOWER IN OXYGEN CONTENT THAN ARTERIAL BLOOD ... /CYANIDES/

SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 1. Massive doses may produce, without warning, sudden loss of consciousness and prompt death from respiratory arrest. With smaller but still lethal doses, the illness may be prolonged for 1 or more hours. 2. Upon ingestion, a bitter, acrid, burning taste is sometimes noted, followed by a feeling of constriction or numbness in the throat. Salivation, nausea and vomiting are not unusual ... 3. Anxiety, confusion, vertigo, giddiness, and often a sensation of stiffness in the lower jaw. 4. Hyperpnea and dyspnea. Respirations become very rapid and then slow and irregular. Inspiration is characteristically short while expiration is greatly prolonged. 5. The odor of bitter almonds may be noted on the breath or vomitus ... 6. In the early phases of poisoning, an increase in vasoconstrictor tone causes a rise in blood pressure and reflex slowing of the heart rate. Thereafter the pulse becomes rapid, weak, and sometimes irregular. ... A bright pink coloration of the skin due to high concentrations of oxyhemoglobin in the venous return may be confused with that of carbon monoxide poisoning. /Cyanide/

SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 7. Unconsciousness, followed promptly by violent convulsions, epileptiform, or tonic, sometimes localized but usually generalized. Opisthotono and trismus may develop. Involuntary micturition and defecation occur. 8. Paralysis follows the convulsive stage. The skin is covered with sweat. The eyeballs protrude, and the pupils are dilated and unreactive. The mouth is covered with foam, which is sometimes bloodstained. ... The skin color may be brick red. Cyanosis is not prominent in spite of weak and irregular gasping. In the unconscious patient, bradycardia and the absence of cyanosis may be key diagnostic signs. 9. Death from respiratory arrest. As long as the heart beat continues, prompt and vigorous treatment offers some promise of survival. /Cyanide/

... IT IS POSSIBLE FOR CYANIDE TO CAUSE BLINDNESS & TO DAMAGE OPTIC NERVES & RETINA. /CYANIDE/

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for MERCURIC CYANIDE (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

IN EXPTL ANIMALS, DEMONSTRATION OF EFFECTS OF CYANIDE POISONING ON RETINA & OPTIC NERVE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL PRINCIPALLY WITH ACUTE SEVERE, NEAR-LETHAL OR LETHAL POISONINGS. /CYANIDES/

IN RABBITS, AFTER SUBLETHAL DOSES OF CYANIDE, CHANGES IN ELECTRORETINOGRAM HAVE BEEN OBSERVED. /CYANIDE/

IN THE CASE OF HYDROCYANIC ACID AND CYANIDES /IN VERY HIGH DOSES/, DEATH USUALLY OCCURS /IN ANIMALS/ WITHIN A FEW SECONDS: THERE MAY BE CONVULSIONS, PARALYSIS, STUPOR, & CESSATION OF RESPIRATION BEFORE THAT OF HEARTBEATS. /CYANIDES/

Except for the more sensitive invertebrate species, such as Daphnia pulex and Gammarus pseudolimnaeus, invertebrate species are usually more tolerant of cyanide than are freshwater fish species, which have most acute values clustered between 50 to 200 ug/l. A long-term survival and two life cycle test with fish gave chronic values of 7.9, 14, and 16 ug/l, respectively, with Gammarus pseudolimnaeus being comparable to fish in sensitivity and isopods being considerably more tolerant. /Free cyanide: HCN and CN-/

... /THERE IS A/ COMBINED EFFECT OF PULMONARY EDEMA AND THE INTERFERENCE OF CELLULAR METABOLISM BY THE CYANIDE RADICAL. /CYANIDE ION/

WORKERS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES OF KIDNEYS, RESPIRATORY TRACT, SKIN OR THYROID ARE @ GREATER RISK OF DEVELOPING TOXIC CYANIDE EFFECTS THAN ARE HEALTHY WORKERS. /CYANIDES/

Incipient Inhibition Scenedesmus quadricauda (green algae) 150 ug/l/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

Incipient Inhibition Microregma heterostoma (protozoa) 160 ug/l/28 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

EC50 Daphnia magna (cladoceran) 20 ug/l/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

Mercuric compounds found in the atmosphere are likely to be transformed by chemical or physical processes. Theoretical calculations on the photodissociation of mercuric compounds have indicated that mercuric chloride and mercuric cyanide are stable, while mercuric hydroxide may dissociate in the gas phase(1). Exchange reactions between water and mercury compounds are likely to occur in the atmosphere(1). The result of these exchange reactions eventually results in the release of elemental mercury into the gaseous phase.

In the atmosphere, particulate bound mercury constitutes only approximately 2% of total mercury in the air and has normally been found to be less than 0.1 ng/cu m in regions unaffected by local sources(1). Some other mercury compounds which may exist in the atmosphere are mercuric chloride, mercuric bromide, mercuric hydroxide, mercuric sulfide, and mercuric cyanide(1). The rest is elemental mercury in the gaseous phase. In remote areas over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, mercury bound to particulate matter concns are generally at or below the picogram per cubic meter level(1).

Incipient Inhibition Scenedesmus quadricauda (green algae) 150 ug/l/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

Incipient Inhibition Microregma heterostoma (protozoa) 160 ug/l/28 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

EC50 Daphnia magna (cladoceran) 20 ug/l/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

Mercuric compounds found in the atmosphere are likely to be transformed by chemical or physical processes. Theoretical calculations on the photodissociation of mercuric compounds have indicated that mercuric chloride and mercuric cyanide are stable, while mercuric hydroxide may dissociate in the gas phase(1). Exchange reactions between water and mercury compounds are likely to occur in the atmosphere(1). The result of these exchange reactions eventually results in the release of elemental mercury into the gaseous phase.

In the atmosphere, particulate bound mercury constitutes only approximately 2% of total mercury in the air and has normally been found to be less than 0.1 ng/cu m in regions unaffected by local sources(1). Some other mercury compounds which may exist in the atmosphere are mercuric chloride, mercuric bromide, mercuric hydroxide, mercuric sulfide, and mercuric cyanide(1). The rest is elemental mercury in the gaseous phase. In remote areas over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, mercury bound to particulate matter concns are generally at or below the picogram per cubic meter level(1).

Systemic poisoning can occur by absorption through the skin.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P030, D003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D009, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Cyanide salts should not be flushed into any drain which may contain or subsequently receive acid waste. ... Cyanide process waste solutions and flushings from spills should be passed through a cyanide waste disposal system. /Cyanide salts/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. 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 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . 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. Ventilate enclosed areas.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (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 MERCURIC CYANIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1636; MERCURIC CYANIDE

IMO 6.1; Mercuric cyanide

49 232 46; Mercuric cyanide, solid

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.