Thiomersal MSDS
Section 1: Chemical Product and Company Identification
Product Name: Thiomersal
Catalog Codes: SLT1411
CAS#: 54-64-8
RTECS: OV8400000
TSCA: TSCA 8(b) inventory: Thiomersal
CI#: Not available.
Synonym: Ethylmercurithiosalicylic acid sodium salt;
Merthiolate
Chemical Name: Thiomersal
Chemical Formula: C9H9HgNaO2S
Section 2: Composition and Information on Ingredients
Composition:
Name CAS # % by Weight
Thiomersal 54-64-8 100
Toxicological Data on Ingredients: Thiomersal: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 75 mg/kg [Rat]. 91 mg/kg [Mouse].
Section 3: Hazards Identification
Potential Acute Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant).
Severe over-exposure can result in death.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance may be toxic to
kidneys, liver, spleen, bone marrow, central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can
produce target organs damage. Repeated exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of health by
an accumulation in one or many human organs.
Section 4: First Aid Measures
Eye Contact:
Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention if irritation occurs.
Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Remove contaminated
clothing and shoes. Cold water may be used.Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical
attention.
Serious Skin Contact:
Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek immediate medical
attention.
Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical
attention.
Serious Inhalation:
Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Seek
medical attention.
Ingestion:
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical attention immediately.
Serious Ingestion: Not available.
Section 5: Fire and Explosion Data
Flammability of the Product: May be combustible at high temperature.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not available.
Flash Points: CLOSED CUP: >250°C (482°F).
Flammable Limits: Not available.
Products of Combustion: These products are carbon oxides (CO, CO2). Some metallic oxides.
Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:
Slightly flammable to flammable in presence of heat. Non-flammable in presence of shocks.
Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:
Slightly explosive in presence of open flames and sparks. Non-explosive in presence of shocks.
Fire Fighting Media and Instructions:
SMALL FIRE: Use DRY chemical powder. LARGE FIRE: Use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use water jet.
Special Remarks on Fire Hazards: As with most organic solids, fire is possible at elevated temperatures
Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards:
Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations, and in the presences of an ignition source is a potential dust explosion
hazard.
Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
Small Spill: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container.
Large Spill:
Poisonous solid. Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray
to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Eliminate all ignition sources. Call
for assistance on disposal. Be careful that the product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the
MSDS and with local authorities.
Section 7: Handling and Storage
Precautions:
Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. Avoid contact with skin. Wear
suitable protective clothing. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical
advice immediately and show the container or the label.
Storage:
Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Sensitive to light. Store in light-resistant
containers.
Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Engineering Controls:
Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended
exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to airborne contaminants
below the exposure limit.
Personal Protection: Safety glasses. Lab coat. Dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent.
Gloves.
Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill:
Splash goggles. Full suit. Dust respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid
inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this
product.
Exposure Limits:
TWA: 0.1 from ACGIH (TLV) [
Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical state and appearance: Solid. (crystalline powder.)
Odor: Not available.
Taste: Not available.
Molecular Weight: 404.82 g/mole
Color: Off-white. White.
pH (1% soln/water): 6.7 [Neutral.]
Boiling Point: Not available
Melting Point: Decomposition temperature: 232°C (449.6°F)
Critical Temperature: Not available.
Specific Gravity: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable.
Vapor Density: Not available.
Volatility: Not available.
Odor Threshold: Not available.
Water/Oil Dist. Coeff.: Not available.
Ionicity (in Water): Not available.
Dispersion Properties: See solubility in water.
Solubility:
Easily soluble in cold water, hot water. Insoluble in diethyl ether. 1 gram dissolves in about 1 ml of water. 1 gram dissolves in
about 8 ml of alcohol. Practically insoluble in benzene
Section 10: Stability and Reactivity Data
Stability: The product is stable.
Instability Temperature: Not available.
Conditions of Instability: Excess heat, light, dust generation, incompatible materials
Incompatibility with various substances: Reactive with oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis.
Corrosivity: Non-corrosive in presence of glass.
Special Remarks on Reactivity: Light sensitive.
Special Remarks on Corrosivity: Not available.
Polymerization: Will not occur.
Section 11: Toxicological Information
Routes of Entry: Inhalation. Ingestion.
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 75 mg/kg [Rat].
Chronic Effects on Humans:
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. May cause damage to the following organs: kidneys, liver,
spleen, bone marrow, central nervous system (CNS).
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation.
Special Remarks on Toxicity to Animals: Not available.
Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans:
May cause cancer based on animal data. No human data found. May cause adverse reproductive effects(female fertility - post
implanation mortality, fetotoxicity)and birth defects. May affect genetic material
Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:
Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: Causes skin irritation. Eyes: Causes eye irritation. May cause chemical conjunctivitis.
Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause allergic respiratory tract irritation. Exposures to high concentrations
may produce unconsciousness with cyanosis(a bluish discoloration of the skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood)
and cold extremities and may also affect the cardiovascular system (rapid pulse). Acute exposure to high concentrations
of mercury vapors may also cause kidney damage and affect behavior/central nervous system, peripheral nervous system
and autonomic nervous system, and liver and cause gastrointestinal effects (nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting). Ingestion:
Harmful if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal tract irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, headache. Exposure to
high concentrations may affect respiration and cardiovascular system which may produce unconciousness with cyanosis,
cold extremities and rapid pulse. May also cause central nervous system effects and/or neurological effects, and may affect
the urinary system (kidneys),and liver. Chronic Potential Health Effects: Skin: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause
skin sensitization, an allergic reaction. Inhalation and Ingestion: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause cause kidney
damage, and may affect the liver, and bone marrow. Chronic exposure to mercury vaporsbehavior/central nervous system and
peripheral nervous system (depression, irritability, nervousness, weakness, ataxia, fatigue, tremor, jerky gait, limb spasms,
personality changes), metabolism (anorexia, weight loss) and cause gastrointestinal disturbances which is collectively referred
to as "aesthenic-vegetative syndrome." Chronic ingestion may cause accumulation of mercury in body tissues and may result
in salicylism which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, gastric ulcers, and hemorrhagic strokes.
Section 12: Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Not available.
BOD5 and COD: Not available.
Products of Biodegradation:
Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation products may arise.
Toxicity of the Products of Biodegradation: The products of degradation are less toxic than the product itself.
Special Remarks on the Products of Biodegradation: Not available.
Section 13: Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal:
Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental control regulations.
Section 14: Transport Information
DOT Classification: CLASS 6.1: Poisonous material.
Identification: : Mercury compound, solid, n.o.s. (Thiomersal) UNNA: 2025 PG: III
Special Provisions for Transport: Not available.
Section 15: Other Regulatory Information
Federal and State Regulations:
California prop. 65: This product contains the following ingredients for which the State of California has found to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm, which would require a warning under the statute: Thiomersal California prop. 65:
This product contains the following ingredients for which the State of California has found to cause birth defects which would
require a warning under the statute: Thiomersal TSCA 8(b) inventory: Thiomersal SARA 313 toxic chemical notification and
release reporting: Thiomersal CERCLA: Hazardous substances.: Thiomersal
Other Regulations:
OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). EINECS: This product is on the
European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances.
Other Classifications:
WHMIS (Canada):
CLASS D-1B: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (TOXIC). CLASS D-2A: Material causing other toxic effects
(VERY TOXIC).
DSCL (EEC):
HMIS (U.S.A.):
Health Hazard: 2
Fire Hazard: 1
Reactivity: 0
Personal Protection: E
National Fire Protection Association (U.S.A.):
Health: 2
Flammability: 1
Reactivity: 0
Specific hazard:
Protective Equipment:
Gloves. Lab coat. Dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Safety glasses.
Section 16: Other Information
References: Not available.
Other Special Considerations:
Thiomersal is a Mercury compound. It is on the Prop. 65 list as a Mercury compound. Under Prop. 65, Mercury and Mercury
compounds are listed as "Chemicals known to the State of California to Cause Reproductive Toxicity."
Created: 10/10/2005 12:03 AM
Last Updated: 11/06/2008 12:00 PM