diethylmercury

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

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

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

H373 **: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning 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, 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)

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

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

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P270, P280, P303+P361+P353, P319, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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

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

P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P316, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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

0.0037 [ppm]

0.25 [ppm]

0.50 [ppm]

Chronic Inhalation: 0.0002 mg/m3 (L134)

159 °C @760 [mm Hg]

2.43 @ 20°C

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)

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)

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). (A5)

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