MOST MERCURY COMPOUNDS ARE HIGHLY TOXIC IF INGESTED OR ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN. GOOD LABORATORY HYGIENE AND PRACTICES WILL ESSENTIALLY ELIMINATE EXPOSURE RISKS.
Mercury metal is toxic if ingested. Highly toxic vapour; cumulative poison. Take great care not to spill mercury.The liquid shatters into a myriad of droplets, which lodge in cracks and crevices, evaporating slowly over a period of years. Do not use on porous surfaces. The major risk is long-term exposure to low levels of mercury vapour in the air. Clean up mercury spills by pouring sulfur powder (flowers of sulfur), or preferably mercury decontaminant, liberally around the affected area: harmless mercury (II) sulfide is formed. Always keep approximately 2 kg of sulfur or 2 kg of mercury decontaminant available if mercury is being used in the laboratory. Use mercury in a well-ventilated area. Do not heat mercury since this increases the amount of vapour released, and the liquid boils violently at atmospheric pressure. Do not react mercury with chlorine or bromine since highly toxic salts are produced. Do not wear gold rings when handling mercury, since the gold forms an amalgam on contact with the mercury. The reaction of mercury and its salts with aluminium is violently exothermic and should not be attempted. Sodium amalgam is formed by electrolysis of sodium chloride solution with a mercury cathode. Mercury thermometer should only be used in secondary science. In other situations alcohol or electronic thermometers should be used.
35
See sodium amalgam
mercury decontaminant,
and Appendix F.
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