Cinnabar

Dry Powder

Black or red solid; [2 entries in Merck Index] Mercuric sulfide, black is insoluble; Mercuric sulfide, red is soluble in aqua regia (separation of S) and hydriodic acid (H2S formation); [ATSDR ToxProfiles]

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 1.5% (1 of 66) of reports.

Warning

H317 (59.1%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

P261, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 66 reports by companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Danger

Chemical: Mercury sulfide (HgS)

Mercury sulfide (HgS) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Mercury sulfide (HgS) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

12C - indicates a substance that is prohibited to be exported from the Unites States under TSCA section 12(c).

Mercury sulphide: HSNO Approval: HSR007214 Approved with controls

Skin Sens. 1 (59.1%)

Skin sensitization - Category 1A

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)

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. (L7, A8, A25, A26)

Mercury is absorbed mainly via ingestion and inhalation, then distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, where a portion binds to sulfhydryl groups on haemoglobin. Mercury can undergo oxidation to mercuric mercury, which takes place via the catalase-hydrogen peroxide pathway. The mercury atom is able to diffuse down the cleft in the catalase enzyme to reach the active site where the heme ring is located. Oxidation most likely occurs in all tissue, as the catalase hydrogen peroxide pathway is ubiquitous. Following oxidation, mercury tends to accumulate in the kidneys. Mercury is excreted mainly by exhalation and in the faeces. (A6, L7)

Red form used to color plastics, sealing wax, marking linen, manufacturing of fancy colored paper, and as antibacterial; Black form used as pigment for rubber, etc. [Merck Index]

Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]

Mercury(II) sulfide is used as a semiconductor and as a red pigment, vermillion. (L426)

All Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing

Mercury sulfide (HgS): ACTIVE