Phenylmercuric Acetate

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 (98.3%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H314 (99.1%): 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 115 reports by companies from 9 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]

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

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

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, P264+P265, P270, P272, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P333+P317, P362+P364, P363, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single 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)

H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P391, P403+P233, 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.

Warning: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure may occur at varying intervals up to several weeks. Keep victim under observation.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Phenylmercury Acetate Exposure: Signs and symptoms of phenylmercury acetate exposure include increased salivation, foul breath, and inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes. Ingestion of phenylmercury acetate results in gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Phenylmercury acetate can produce severe neurologic toxicity, such as loss of feeling in lips, tongue, and extremities, visual impairment, difficulty swallowing and talking, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, loss of coordination, staggering walk, memory loss, slurred speech, auditory defects, emotional instability, and inability to concentrate. Scanty urination, suppression of urine formation, and acute renal failure may also occur. Phenylmercury acetate is also a strong skin irritant; erythema and blistering may result 6-12 hours after exposure. Contact with the eyes may also result in injury to the external surface.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phenylmercury acetate may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phenylmercury acetate.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phenylmercury acetate.

3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water.

6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

3. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.

4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.

5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.

6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

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.

Materials are extremely hazardous to health, but areas may be entered with extreme care. Full protective clothing, including self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber gloves, boots and bands around legs, arms, and waist should be provided. No skin should be exposed.

Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide on solution. Use water as necessary, but run-off should be limited and controlled to prevent it from entering streams or water supplies. (EPA, 1998)

If the compound is mixed with an organic liquid fight fire given the characteristics of the liquid solvent, in addition to the mercuric hazards.

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.

If material is in solution with organic solvent, treat fire according to the solvent characteristics, in addition to the mercuric hazard. Unless otherwise indicated, use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective.

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.

Solid material: Control release and place material and disposal equipment into appropriate containers. Solvent-based material: Control runoff. In all cases, avoid contact with material. Keep material from entering the environment to the fullest extent practicable.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P092, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Phenylmercury acetate is a poor candidate for incineration.

Do not re-use container for any purpose.

Wash hands & exposed skin before meals and after work. ... Wear protective gloves when handling the dust. Protect the wrists and forearms. Wash gloves thoroughly after use, especially the insides. When using do not eat, drink, or smoke. Wash dust from skin or eyes immediately. Do not breathe dust. If necessary for personal comfort, wear a dust mask.

Harmful to fish. Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with chemical or used container. ... Wash out container thoroughly & dispose of safely.

Preventive measure: Adequate ventilation; Use disposable uniforms, so that a contaminated uniform is not a source of absorption through the skin.

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.

Do not touch spilled material; stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors.

Small spills: take up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.

Small dry spills: with clean shovel place material into clean, dry container and cover; move containers from spill area.

Large spills: dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. (EPA, 1998)

Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, noncombustible location. separate from oxidizing materials, halides.

SLIGHTLY VOLATILE AT ROOM TEMP

· 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.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

0.5 [mg/m3]

22 [mg/m3]

47 [mg/m3]

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 cmpds, as Hg/

0.1 mg/m

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.

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on spraying.

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.

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

Wear protective gloves when handling the dust. Protect the wrists & forearms. Wash gloves thoroughly after use, especially the insides.

Wear special protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

Use ... disposable mercury-vapor-absorbing masks.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.

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

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

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.

Small lustrous prisms. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. May severely irritate skin and eyes. Used as an herbicide and fungicide. as such, is mixed with organic solvent for the purpose of application.

White or white-yellow crystals (hygroscopic); [ICSC]

ODOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC WHITE OR WHITE-YELLOW CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

WHITE TO CREAMY WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER OR SMALL WHITE PRISMS OR LEAFLETS

ODORLESS

300 °F (NTP, 1992)

140 °F (USCG, 1999)

ABOVE 100 °F (OPEN CUP)

37.8 °C c.c.

Slightly soluble (NTP, 1992)

Very soluble in 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol.

1 G SOL IN 180 ML WATER, 225 ML ALCOHOL, 6.8 ML CHLOROFORM, 200 ML ETHER

Soluble in acetic acid

In acetone 48, 95% ethanol 17, benzene 15 (all in g/l, 15 degree C)

In water, 4,370 mg/l @ room temperature.

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.44 (very poor)

0.24 (est) (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 11.6

9 mmHg at 95 °F (NTP, 1992)

0.000006 [mmHg]

/Vapor pressure is/ 1.2 mPa at 35 °C

6.0X10-6 mm Hg @ 20 °C

Vapor pressure, Pa at 25 °C: 0.016

log Kow= 0.71

Stable for at least 2 years under normal storage conditions in unopened containers.

SLIGHTLY VOLATILE AT ROOM TEMP

Stable under normal laboratory storage conditions. ... Store in a refrigerator or in a cool, dry place.

RADIOCHEMICAL TRACER METHOD WAS USED TO SHOW THAT PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE, A PRESERVATIVE IN EYE DROP FORMULATIONS CONTAINING LACHESINE CHLORIDE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ATROPINE SULFATE OR CHLORAMPHENICOL, CONCN DECR 40 TO 90% AFTER 100 DAYS STORAGE AT AMBIENT TEMP IN POLYETHYLENE CONTAINERS. PRESENCE OF PHOSPHATE BUFFERS IN SOLN INHIBITED LOSS OF MERCURY. THE SUITABILITY OF BRITISH PHARMACEUTICAL CODEX FORMULATION FOR LACHESINE CHLORIDE WAS QUESTIONABLE.

The mercury-carbon bond of organomercury cmpd is remarkably stable.

147-150 °C

Very stable in dilute acids. In the presence of alkalis, phenylmercury hydroxide is formed.

Metals -> Metals, Organic Compounds

Carcinogens

Teratogens

Flammable agents - 2nd degree

Preservative

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Slightly soluble in water (NTP, 1992).

Salts, Basic

Organometallics

PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE may react with strong oxidizing agents (NTP, 1992).

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. (L7, A8, A25, A26)

Phenylmercuric acetate

8 x 10 ^-5 mg/kg-day

No indication of carcinogenicity (not listed by IARC). (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. (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. Blisters.

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). (A5)

Neurotoxin - Sensorimotor

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.

0.0007 mg/kg /Mercury/

IRIS Current

HEAST Current

LD50: 22 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T55)

LD50 Rat oral 22 mg/kg

LD50 CHICKS ORAL 100 MG/KG ... /EFFECTS OBSERVED AT THIS DOSAGE WERE/ DEPRESSION, ATAXIA, ANOREXIA & LACRIMATION.

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

COERGISTIC ACTION OF PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE WITH HCB, LINDANE, & CARBOXIN IN FEMALE RATS WAS POOR. NO DEVIATION WAS ESTABLISHED FROM ADDITIVE ACTION. EVALUATION BY MEANS OF AN ASSOC FACTOR (V) GAVE ANTAGONISTIC EFFECT FOR THE COMBINATION WITH LINDANE (V= 0.54) & A POTENTIATIVE EFFECT FOR COMBINATION WITH CARBOXIN (V= 1.70).

Although the use of BAL is indicated in severe inorganic mercury poisoning, the effectiveness of BAL in organic and elemental mercury poisoning is highly questionable. There are survivors of severe elemental mercury poisoning who have been treated only with supportive care. Dimercaprol is ineffective in reversing chronic organic neurologic effects but should be administered in acute ingestions of aryl organic mercury compounds (eg, phenylmercuric acetate, which is converted to inorganic mercury in the body).

PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE USED AS PRESERVATIVE IN EYEDROPS AT CONCN OF 0.002% CAN PRODUCE A MICROSCOPIC DISCOLORATION & CHANGE IN TRANSPARENCY OF FRONT OF LENS IN PATIENTS AFTER LONG CHRONIC USE, AS IN TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA. ... APPARENTLY THIS IS DUE TO DIRECT PENETRATION FROM SURFACE OF EYE TO FRONT OF LENS IN THE PUPIL.

IN COHORT STUDY OF 50,282 PREGNANCIES RECRUITED BETWEEN 1958 & 1965, THERE WERE 889 WOMEN WHO USED PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE (NO LONGER AVAIL AS SPERMICIDE); THE CORRESPONDING RATE RATIO /RELATIVE TO THE CONTROLS/ WAS O.9 (0.6 TO 1.3). LIMB REDUCTION DEFORMITIES, NEOPLASMS, DOWN'S SYNDROME, & HYPOSPADIAS DID NOT OCCUR IN EXCESS IN CHILDREN EXPOSED TO SPERMICIDES.

DO NOT USE TREATED SEED FOR HUMAN ... CONSUMPTION.

A 39 year old farmer who had used no precautions in dusting oat seeds with phenylmercuric acetate over a period of 5 to 6 years and who excreted large amounts of mercury in the urine died of an apparently progressive neurologic disease resembling amylotrophic lateral sclerosis. Five other farmers similarly exposed were said to have various motor disabilities.

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/

... PHENYLMERCURY ACETATE ADDED TO CULTURES OF /RAT/ RETINA IS HIGHLY TOXIC, CAUSING DEGENERATION OF ROD CELLS AT 5X10-6 MOLAR.

DIETARY MERCURY LEVELS OF 40 PPM (ABOUT 2 MG/KG/DAY) OR LOWER ... IN FORM OF ... PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE WERE TOLERATED BY RATS FOR 2 YEARS WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN RATE OF GROWTH, MORTALITY, OR ORGAN WEIGHTS. DIETARY LEVEL OF 160 PPM (ABOUT 8 MG/KG/DAY) ... INTERFERED TO A MARKED DEGREE WITH GROWTH OF BOTH SEXES AND SHORTENED THEIR SURVIVAL. ACTION ... APPEARED TO BE ON KIDNEY. DIETARY LEVEL OF 0.5 PPM ... PRODUCED DETECTABLE HISTOLOGICAL CHANGE IN KIDNEY. ... WHEN ADMIN INTRAGASTRICALLY TO RATS AT 1/10 THE LD50 RATE, CHANGES IN SUCCINATE DEHYDROGENASE & ALKALINE & ACID PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN EPITHELIUM OF THE INITIAL STRAIGHT SEGMENT OF FIRST-ORDER CONVULUTED TUBULES PRECEDED DETECTABLE NECROSIS OF THESE TUBULES.

RATS GIVEN PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE (0.25-10 MG/KG, IP) SHOWED DOSE-RELATED DEGENERATIVE LESIONS OF PYRAMIDAL CELLS OF CEREBRAL HEMISPHERE CORTEX CHARACTERIZED BY CLOUDY SWELLING TENDING TO A HYDROPIC ONE.

75 DAYS FOLLOWING SINGLE ORAL ADMIN OF 50% LD50 OF PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE, THE TIME OF ACTIVE THROMBIN FORMATION IN RAT BLOOD (THE INITIAL PHASE OF BLOOD COAGULATION), AS WELL AS THE FINAL COAGULUM FORMATION WERE HASTENED, & THE COHERENCE & ELASTICITY OF BLOOD COAGULUM WERE INCR. SIMILAR EFFECTS WERE OBTAINED WHEN 5% LD50 WAS ADMIN 2 TIMES/WK FOR 30 DAYS.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE (23 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

LC50 JAPANESE QUAIL ORAL 1028 PPM, 5 DAY DIET AD LIBITUM, 14 DAYS OLD (95% CONFIDENCE LIMIT 874-1208 PPM)

LC50 RING-NECKED PHEASANT ORAL APPROXIMATELY 2350 PPM, 5 DAY DIET AD LIBITUM, 10 DAYS OLD

LC50 MALLARD DUCK ORAL APPROXIMATELY 1175 PPM, 5 DAY DIET AD LIBITUM, 10 DAYS OLD

LC100 Gasterosteus aculeatus (three spine stickleback) 100 ug/l/370 min /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50 Salmo gairdneri (Rainbow trout, juvenile) 1,780 ug/l/48 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50 JAPANESE QUAIL ORAL 1028 PPM, 5 DAY DIET AD LIBITUM, 14 DAYS OLD (95% CONFIDENCE LIMIT 874-1208 PPM)

LC50 RING-NECKED PHEASANT ORAL APPROXIMATELY 2350 PPM, 5 DAY DIET AD LIBITUM, 10 DAYS OLD

LC50 MALLARD DUCK ORAL APPROXIMATELY 1175 PPM, 5 DAY DIET AD LIBITUM, 10 DAYS OLD

LC100 Gasterosteus aculeatus (three spine stickleback) 100 ug/l/370 min /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50 Salmo gairdneri (Rainbow trout, juvenile) 1,780 ug/l/48 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

5.10e+00

6.60e+01

1.60e+00

2.00e+00

5.00e-04

Volatile

1.50e+01

2.00e+02

4.80e+00

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 acetate's former production and use as a fungicide and as a mildewicide in paints may have resulted in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, phenylmercuric acetate, as a salt, is expected to exist in the particulate-phase and may be removed by wet and dry deposition. Phenylmercuric acetate absorbs light in the environmental spectrum and may be degraded in the atmosphere by direct photolysis. If released to soil, phenylmercuric acetate is expected to dissociate forming the cation. While undissociated phenylmercuric acetate is expected to have a high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 60, cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that the mobility may be much lower in some soils. Volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces will not be an important fate process because this compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment. In basic soils, phenylmercuric acetate may be hydrolyzed to phenylmercuric oxide. Several soil studies show that this compound is rapidly biodegraded under aerobic conditions to phenylmercuric hydride and metallic mercury as well as to the organomercury form; no data were located showing the biodegradation of phenylmercuric acetate in water. If released into water, phenylmercuric acetate is expected to dissociate quickly to the cation which is strongly sorbed to particulates and humic material. Phenylmercuric acetate compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms as it is rapidly dissociated in water. Direct photolysis of phenylmercuric acetate is expected to occur in the upper layer of fresh and marine systems with a half-life of approximately 16 hrs - 1.6 days. Occupational exposure to phenylmercuric acetate may occur through inhalation of dusts and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where phenylmercuric acetate is produced or used. The general population may have been exposed to phenylmercuric acetate via inhalation and dermal contact through use of mildewicide-treated paints and pharmaceuticals. (SRC)

... Relatively small discharges of phenylmercuric acetate from pulp and paper manufacture have been detected.

Phenylmercuric acetate's former production and use as a fungicide(1) and as a mildewicide in paints(2) may have resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

RICE PLANT STEMS & LEAVES ABSORB INORGANIC MERCURY ORIGINATING FROM FIELD APPLIED PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE (PMA). PMA WAS OBSERVED TO YIELD 3-77 MG INORGANIC MERCURY/CU M & MORE THAN 99% WAS ABSORBED BY NEARBY RICE PLANTS. AERIAL CONCN OF MERCURY RECORDED FROM SEPTEMBER 1975 TO MARCH 1976 RANGED FROM BELOW 5 TO 15 NG/CU M.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 60(SRC), determined from a measured log Kow of 0.71(2), indicates that phenylmercuric acetate is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). However, phenylmercuric acetate is expected to dissociate in moist soils to the phenylmercuric cation. Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that the mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC). Volatilization of phenylmercuric acetate 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(SRC). Phenylmercuric acetate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces as it is a salt(SRC). The potential for photodegradation on soil surfaces exists based on studies of phenylmercuric acetate in distilled water(3,4). Several soil studies show that this compound is rapidly biodegraded under aerobic conditions(6) to phenylmercuric hydride and metallic mercury(7) as well as to the organomercury form(8).

AQUATIC FATE: Phenylmercuric acetate, during an accidental spill into river water, was found only as the phenylmercuric cation(1). During this study, it was found that the cation strongly sorbed to particles and humic material in the water(1). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected because this compound is found only in the dissociated form in water(SRC). This compound is not expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms(SRC) as it is rapidly dissociated in water(1). No data were located showing biodegradation of phenylmercuric acetate in water; however, several soil studies show that this compound is rapidly biodegraded under aerobic conditions(6) to phenylmercuric hydride and metallic mercury(7) as well as to the organomercury form(8). In alkaline waters, phenylmercuric acetate may hydrolyze to phenylmercuric oxide(3). Direct photolysis of phenylmercuric acetate in surface waters may occur based on experiments in distilled water exposed to sunlight; experimental photodegradation half-lives of 16 hours(4) to 1.6 days(5) have been reported.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Phenylmercuric acetate is a salt and is thus expected to exist in the particulate phase in the atmosphere(SRC). Particulate-phase phenylmercuric acetate may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Arylmercury salts (e.g. phenylmercuric acetate) absorb light in the environmental spectrum and have the potential for direct photolysis(1,2).

Soil and aquatic microorganism: Phenlymercuric acetate is quickly degraded, with diphenylmercury as one of the major metabolic products.

The total mercury concentrations in sediments from 2 stations in Minamata Bay, Japan were 32.4 and 23.5 ug/ml, respectively. The percentage of methylmercury-resistant bacteria was higher where the mercury in the sediment was higher. Of 1068 bacterial strains isolated only 80 volatilized methylmercury. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of mercury compounds against the strains volatilizing methylmercury are presented; eg, the minimum inhibitory concentrations or mercury dichloride and phenylmercuric acetate were 80-160 and 4-8 ug/ml, respectively. All of the methylmercury-volatilizing bacteria were able to volatilize each of the mercury compounds examined(1).

Using a sewage sludge inoculum, phenylmercuric acetate at an initial concentration of 5 and 10 mg/l was found to slowly degrade to inorganic mercury compounds at a rate of 50% and 40% removal after 7 days, respectively(1). In soil and microbial cultures, phenylmercuric acetate is transformed to phenylmercuric hydride and metallic mercury, although specific details were not provided(2). Large concentrations of phenylmercuric acetate, 200 to 630 ppm, underwent rapid degradation in several different soils(3). Phenylmercuric acetate was largely transformed to the organomercury form over a 30- to 50-day period in soil(4).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenylmercuric acetate with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 8 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1).

The experimental half-life for direct photolysis of phenylmercuric acetate in distilled water was found to be 16 hours when irradiated with Georgia, U.S. sunlight at a shallow depth(1). The predicted half-life for the photolysis of phenylmercuric acetate in water during midsummer at 40 deg N latitude is 1.6 days(2). Using acetone as a photosensitizer in distilled water, a disappearance quantum yield of 0.23 was reported(1). Products from direct photolysis arise from the cleavage of the phenyl-mercurial bond and include metallic mercury, mercury(II) salts and products formed from reactions of the phenyl radical(1). In water, 75% of phenylmercuric acetate was recovered after 10 hours of sunlight irradiation (4). The only identified phenylmercuric acetate photolysis product was mercurous oxide(3).

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

The Koc of phenylmercuric acetate is estimated as 60(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.71(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that phenylmercuric acetate is expected to have a high mobility in soil. However, phenylmercuric acetate is expected to dissociate in moist soils to the cation(SRC). Cations generally adsorb to organic matter and clay more strongly than their neutral counterparts, suggesting that the mobility may be much lower in some soils(SRC). In a river study, it was found that the phenymercuric cation sorbed strongly to particles and humic material in the water column(4).

... 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 phenylmercuric acetate will exist in the dissociated form in the environment. This compound is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces as it is a salt. (SRC)

SURFACE WATER: A fire at an industrial warehouse in Switzerland, 1986, resulted in phenylmercuric acetate and ethoxymercury hydroxide concentration of 12 mg/l (measured as Hg(II)) in the nearby Rhine River(1).

SOURCE DOMINATED: Trace amounts of phenylmercuric acetate along with metallic mercury were present in the air surrounding soils treated with this fungicide although details were not provided(1).

Addition of phenylmercuric acetate ... to Canadian prairie soil increased the mercury content of alfalfa 3-10 times over a control level of 0.07 ppm (dry weight basis).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 28,342 workers (5,150 of these are female) are potentially exposed to phenylmercuric acetate in the US(1). The NOES Survey does not include farm workers. Occupational exposure to phenylmercuric acetate may occur through inhalation of dusts and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where phenylmercuric acetate is produced or used(SRC).

The use of paint containing 200 ppm mercury as phenylmercuric acetate has been shown to result in air levels of mercury as high as 200 ug/cu m during its application(1).

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).

The proposed guideline of 0.1 mg/cu m for phenylmercury should lead to an intake in workers exposed to phenylmercury cmpd to 500 ug/day or less.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P092, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Phenylmercury acetate is a poor candidate for incineration.

Do not re-use container for any purpose.

/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 ACETATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1674; Phenylmercuric acetate

IMO 6.1; Phenylmercuric acetate

49 216 53; Mercury based pesticide, solid, NOS

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