Phenylmercuric Acetate

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 water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.

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.

· 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.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

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

General First Aid:

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

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].

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.

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

SLIGHTLY VOLATILE AT ROOM TEMP

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.

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.

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).

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)

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/

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).

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)

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)

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)

P092; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when phenylmercuric acetate, 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)).

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. Phenylmercuric acetate is included on this list.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Phenylmercury acetate is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 500/10,000 lbs.

Has been used as a preservative for contraceptive gels and foams; a paint biocide; an instrument disinfectant; a mildewcide for leather, ink, adhesives, tape muds, and caulking compounds; an eyewash preservative; a slimicide in paper mills; a fungicide for crops; a herbicide; an aquatic parasiticide; and a catalyst in the manufacturing of polyurethanes; [HSDB]

Was used as a biocide in interior and exterior paints prior to 1991; [ATSDR ToxProfiles] Not registered for current use in the U.S by the EPA. [HSDB]

Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]

For Phenylmercuric Acetate (USEPA/OPP PC Code: 066003) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S./

USED IN CONTRACEPTIVE GELS & FOAMS. IT SERVES AS PRESERVATIVE IN VARIOUS DRUG PREPN. ...

HAS BEEN USED TO DISINFECT INSTRUMENTS ... .

(1978) 3.00X10+6 G (PRINCPL CUSTMS DISTS)

(1982) 7.30X10+7 G (PRINCPL CUSTMS DISTS)

(1978) 8.35X10+7 G

(1982) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 6.81X10+6 G

USA production (1978): 700 tons

IN-CAN PAINT PRESERVATIVE & PAINT FILM MILDEWCIDE, APPROXIMATELY 99%; OTHER USES-EG, AS LEATHER MILDEWCIDE, 1% (1978-INCL PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE IN VARIOUS FORMS & DI(PHENYLMERCURY)DODECENYL SUCCINATE)

The total Canadian use trend of mercury as phenylmercuric acetate plus phenylmercuric oleate (preservatives in paint) was 24.8 ton in 1975 and 34.0 ton in 1976. For batteries: 9.0 ton (1976); Lamps: 1.5 ton (1976); Miscellaneous electrical products: 13 ton (1976).

[KOBE KA, LEUTH PF; IND ENG CHEM 34: 309 (1942)] PREPN: BY INTERACTION OF BENZENE & MERCURIC ACETATE IN GLACIAL ACETIC ACID.

Action of heat on benzene and mercuric acetate: Maynard, J Am Chem Soc 46, 1510 (1925); Brit pat 325,846 (1928 to I.G. Farbenind); Renschler, US pat 2,050,018 (1936 to Hamilton Labs); Grave et al., J Am Pharm Assoc 25, 752 (1936).

Grades: CP, technical, commercial

FOR APPLICATION TO SKIN, AS 0.2 SOLN IN 50% ALCOHOL; AS A PRESERVATIVE, IN CONCN OF 0.002-0.125%; IN VAGINAL SUPPOSITORIES & JELLIES, 0.02%; IN VAGINAL TABLETS, 3 MG.

Dispersible powder, solution for seed treatment, water dispersible powder for slurry treatment

Powder seed treatments (10-300 g mercury/kg).

For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for PHENYLMERCURIC ACETATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Mercury, (acetato-.kappa.O)phenyl-: ACTIVE

Status: Cancelled

US: RUP /Restricted Use Pesticide/. A red or blue dye must be added to mercurial agents as a warning of their hazardous nature. Cleared in US for winter turf diseases.

Prior to the 1990's phenylmercuric acetate was the primary bactericide and fungicide in latex and waterborne paints. Because of the increasing concerns of mercury toxicity and the potential for high consumer and occupational exposures to mercury when present in paints, the US Environmental Protection agency induced manufactures of phenylmercuric acetate...to withdraw their registrations for use of these substances as biocides in paints; phenylmercuric acetate is used as the starting material in the preparation of many other phenylmercury compounds; antimicrobial perservative useful in cosmetics.

ACTIONS & USES ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE OF PHENYLMERCURIC NITRATE.