Dikaliumtetracyanomercurat

· 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.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

General First Aid:

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

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

If mercuric potassium cyanide involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Do not use water on material itself. If large quantities of combustibles are involved, use water in flooding quantities as spray and fog. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.

Mercury spills should be cleaned up immediately by use of a special vacuum cleaner. Then the area should be washed with a dilute calcium sulfide solution. Small quantities of mercury can be picked up by mixing with copper metal granules. ... /Mercury/

Mercury removal from waste water can be accomplished by these processes: BMS process; Chlorine is added to the waste water, oxidizing any mercury present to the ionic state. The BMS adsorbent (an activated carbon concentrate of sulfur cmpd on its surface) is used to collect ionic mercury. The spent adsorbent is then distilled to recover the mercury, leaving a carbon residue for reuse or disposal. TMR IMAC Process; Waste water is fed into a reactor, whereby a slight excess of chlorine is maintained, oxidizing any mercury present to ionic mercury. The liquid is then passed through the TMR IMAC ion-exchange resin where mercury ions are adsorbed. The mercury is then stripped from the spent resin with hydrochloric acid solution. /Mercury cmpds/

SPILLED MERCURY CMPD OR SOLN CAN BE CLEANED UP BY ANY METHOD THAT DOES NOT CAUSE EXCESSIVE AIRBORNE CONTAMINATION OR SKIN CONTACT. /MERCURY COMPOUNDS/

1) Ventilate area of spill. 2) Collect spilled material for reclamation using commercially available mercury vapor depressants or specialized vacuum cleaners. /Inorganic mercury/

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.

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

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts. Keep upwind. ... Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

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

Preventative measure: adequate ventilation; careful attention to good housekeeping, e.g., avoidance of spills, and prompt and proper cleaning if a spill occurs; all containers of mercury and its compounds should be kept tightly closed; should be washed on a regular basis with dilute calcium sulfide solution or other suitable reactant; floors should be nonporous; all workers directly involved in the plant operation should shower thoroughly each day before leaving. /Mercury compounds/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

Immediate precautionary measure

0.02 [mg/m3], as Hg

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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/

EKG Measurement: EKG monitoring may be useful since changes have been found with cyanide exposure. /Cyanide/

The assessment of cyanide exposure can be accomplished through measurement of cyanide. Most information found in the literature regarding monitoring for absorption of cyanide preferred the measurement of blood cyanide. ... Blood Reference Ranges: Normal - non-smokers, <0.02 ug/ml; smokers, average 0.041 ug/ml; Exposed - Levels of <0.2 ug/ml have been found to be non-toxic; however, levels of 0.5 - 1.0 ug/ml have been associated with tachycardia and flushing. Toxic - Levels of 1.0 - 2.5 ug/ml have been associated with obtundation; coma and respiratory depression with levels greater than 2.5 ug/ml; death with values greater than 3 ug/ml. Serum or Plasma Reference Ranges: Normal - cyanide: nonsmoker, 0.004 ug/ml; smoker, 0.006 ug/ml; Exposed - not established; Toxic - cyanide; greater than 0.1 ug/ml. Urine Reference Ranges: Normal - not established; Exposed - not established; Toxic - not established. /Cyanide/

For more Medical Surveillance (Complete) data for MERCURIC POTASSIUM CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The toxic effects of simple and complex cyanide-containing heavy metal, incl mercury, were investigated by standard methods with guppies and green algae. Since various complex cmpd can be decomposed by photolysis, discontinuous light-dark phases also were used. Results are tabulated and graphed, with the substances being classified into groups with strong and high toxicity. /Cyanide cmpd/

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/

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. Monitor for pulmonary edema and neat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with available 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. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Mercury and related compounds/

Advanced Treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient with severe pulmonary edema or respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Mercury and related compounds/

P030; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when mercuric potassium cyanide, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to federal and/or state hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any container or inner liner used to hold this waste or any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5(e)). /Cyanides (soluble salts), NOS/

/SRP:/ D003; A solid waste containing cyanide may become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to testing for reactivity as stipulated in 40 CFR 261.23, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.

D009; A solid waste containing mercury may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Mercury/

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Mercuric potassium cyanide is included on this list.

Mercuric cyanide is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance. /Mercuric cyanide/

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Cyanides; mercury and cmpd/

(AZ) ARIZONA 3 ug/l /Mercury/

(AZ) ARIZONA 220 ug/l /Cyanide ion/

(ME) MAINE 154 ug/l /Cyanide ion/

(MN) MINNESOTA 100 ug/l /Cyanide ion/

EPA 2 ug/l /Mercury/

EPA 200 ug/l /Cyanide ion/

EPA 2 ug/l /Mercury/

EPA 200 ug/l /Cyanide ion/