| GHS classification | DangerH300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]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)H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral] |
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| Regulatory information | Chemical: Mercury, dimethyl-The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.) |
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| Other safety information | IMAP assessments - Mercury, dimethyl-: Human health tier I assessment |
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| Fire hazards | Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. |
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| Hazards summary | 1-2 drops on a latex glove caused CNS damage (ataxia, dysarthria, auditory and visual effects) and death of a research chemist[Olson, p. 701] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritantMay cause severe effects on the CNSA reproductive toxin[ICSC] The methyl mercury ion (CH3Hg+) is conjugated with thiol-containing molecules in the body and is not found free and unbound. [Nordberg, p. 1046] Symptoms of chronic methylmercury poisoning (Minamata disease) include incoordination, paralysis, and abnormal reflexes. [Sullivan, p. 980] See Mercury, alkyl compounds and linked occupational diseases. |
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| EC classification | Symbol: T+, NR: 26/27/28-33-50/53S: (1/2)-13-28-36-45-60-61Note: 1 for preparations |
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| UN classification | UN Hazard Class: 6.1UN Pack Group: IUN Subsidiary Risks: 3 |
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| Chemical Dangers | Decomposes on burning. This produces toxic gases including mercury oxides. Reacts with halogens and oxidants. This generates fire hazard. |
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| Physical Dangers | The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the grounddistant ignition possible. |
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| Packaging and Labelling | Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Severe marine pollutant. |
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| Hazard Classes and Categories | Acute Tox. 2 (100%)Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure) - category 2Flammable liquids - Category 2Carcinogens, Flammable agents - 3rd degreeAcute Tox. 1 |
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| Fire fighting | Use powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. |
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| First aid measures | Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer immediately for medical attention .First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer immediately for medical attention. |
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| Safe storage | Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs, halogens and oxidants. Well closed. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. |
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| Exposure control and personal 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]. |
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| Spillage disposal | Evacuate danger area! Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer. |
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| Eye Prevention | Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection. |
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| Fire Prevention | NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. |
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| Inhalation Risk | A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C. |
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| Skin Prevention | Protective gloves. Protective clothing. |
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| Minimum Risk Level | Chronic Inhalation: 0.0002 mg/m3 (L134) |
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| Exposure Prevention | PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! AVOID ALL CONTACT! FIRST AID: USE PERSONAL PROTECTION. IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! |
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| Ingestion Prevention | Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating. |
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| Treatment | Mercury poisoning is treated by immediate decontamination and chelation therapy using DMSA, DMPS, DPCN, or dimercaprol. (A7) |
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| Health effects | 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) |
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| Adverse effects | Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin |
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| Exposure routes | The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.Oral (L7)inhalation (L7)dermal (L7) |
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| Toxicity summary | 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) |
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| Signs and Symptoms | Cough. Incoordination. Tremor. Slurred speech. Confusion. Symptoms may be delayed.EASILY ABSORBED! Redness. Further see Inhalation.Redness. Pain.Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse. Further see Inhalation.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) |
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| ICSC Environmental Data | The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in seafood. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. |
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| Carcinogen Classification | 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (L135) |
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| EPA Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values | DimethylmercuryPDF Document2004 |
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