Material Safety Data Sheet

Vermilion, Cinnabar, Mercuric Sulfide

MSDS Number 450-15

Section 1: Product and Company Information

Product Name(s)

Vermilion, Cinnabar

Product Number(s)

450-11S, 450-15S

Company

Natural Pigments LLC
PO Box 112
Willits, CA 95490
United States of America

Technical Phone

707-459-9998

Fax

408-516-9442

Section 2: Composition / Information on Ingredients

Product Name

Vermilion, Cinnabar

Synonyms

English Vermilion, Chinese Vermilion, French Vermilion, red mercuric sulfide, red sulfuretted oxide of mercury; liver ore; Zinnober (Deut.); Zinnoberersatz (Ned.); cinabrio (Esp.); cinabre (Fr.); cinabro (It.); cin·brio (Port.); shinsha (Jap.); tan-sha (Chin.); sulfure de mercure (Fr.)

Colour Index

Pigment Red 106 (77766)

CAS No.

1344-48-5

Component Name

CAS No.

% Composition Range

OSHA PEL mg/m3

ACGIH TLV mg/m3

DFG-MAK mg/m3

 

 

 

TWA

STEL

TWA

STEL

TWA

STEL

Mercuric Sulfide (HgS)

1344-48-5

>98%

N.E.1

N.E.

N.E.

N.E.

N.E.

N.E.

Mercury Compounds

 

 

1

N.E.

0.1

N.E.

N.E.

N.E.

1) N.E. = None Established

Section 3: Hazards Identification

Overview

Mercury is a general protoplasmic poison; after absorption it circulates in the blood and is stored in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and bone. In industrial poisoning, the principal effect is upon the central nervous system, the mouth, and gums. The cardinal symptoms of industrial mercury poisoning are stomatitis, tremors, and psychic disturbances. In humans, it is readily absorbed by the respiratory tract, intact skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. Occasional incidental swallowing of metallic mercury may be without harm. Spilled and heated elemental mercury is particularly hazardous. A number of mercury compounds, in addition to the fulminate, can cause skin irritation and be absorbed through the skin. They are strong allergens and common air contaminants (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th edition).

Potential Acute Health Effects

Eyes

Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant).

Skin

Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, sensitizer and permeator).

Inhalation

Hazardous in case of inhalation.

Ingestion

Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. Severe over-exposure can result in death. Mercuric sulfide LD50: Not Available. LC50: Not Available.

Potential Chronic Health Effects

Eyes

Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant).

Skin

Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, sensitizer and permeator).

Inhalation

Hazardous in case of inhalation.

Ingestion

Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. Severe over-exposure can result in death.

CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Classified A5 (Not suspected for human.) by ACGIH.

MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.

TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.

DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available.

The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, the nervous system, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated exposure to an highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of health by an accumulation in one or many human organs.

 Section 4: First Aid Measures

After Inhalation

Remove to fresh air. If breathing is labored or stopped, give artificial respiration. Seek immediate medical attention. WARNING: It may be hazardous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when the inhaled material is toxic, infectious or corrosive.

After Skin Contact

After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. Gently and thoroughly wash the contaminated skin with running water and non-abrasive soap. Be particularly careful to clean folds, crevices, creases and groin. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reusing.

After Eye Contact

Check for and remove any contact lenses. Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Do not use an eye ointment. Seek medical attention.

After Ingestion

Do not induce vomiting. Examine the lips and mouth to ascertain whether the tissues are damaged, a possible indication that the toxic material was ingested; the absence of such signs, however, is not conclusive. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek immediate medical attention.

Section 5: Fire Fighting Measures

Fire

Not considered to be a fire hazard. Not flammable. May be combustible at high temperature.

Explosion

Not considered to be an explosion hazard.

Extinguishing Media

This material is not combustible and is not anticipated to react with commercially employed extinguishing media. Use appropriate extinguishing media for surrounding fire.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

Spill Procedures

Protect against identified hazards through use of prescribed personal protection equipment, proper work and hygiene practices. Limit foot and vehicular traffic to minimize mechanical agitation and dispersion. Employ a vacuum, equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, for cleanup of the spill material. If no vacuum is available, use a broom and shovel to collect excess powder in the area. Recover uncontaminated material for use. Vacuum or sweep remaining material keeping dust to a minimum. Residual material should then be cleared, utilizing the process of wet sweeping, to avoid dust generation.

Containment Techniques

This is a solid material and will not travel far from the spill location unless mechanically agitated.

Spill Response Equipment

The following equipment is recommended for spill response:
• vacuum, equipped with a HEPA filter
• broom, wet mop
• dustpan, shovel, or scoop
• bags, drums or sacks for collection

Personal Protective Equipment

All personnel should utilize the following protective equipment when performing spill response activities:
• gloves (rubber or leather)
• safety glasses or goggles
• respiratory equipment as recommended in Section 8

Section 7: Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep locked up. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Empty containers pose a fire risk, evaporate the residue under a fume hood. Ground all equipment containing material. Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. 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. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Handling

When handling this product, all personnel are directed to:
• Wear all specified elements of PPE, as directed by this document, or under location specific requirements, whichever is more conservative.
• Avoid creating dust, where possible.

Section 8: Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Engineering Controls

Use with adequate ventilation to meet exposure limits listed in Section 2.

Respiratory Protection

Use NIOSH-approved dust respirator, if overexposure exists.

Skin Protection

Leather or rubber gloves.

Eye/Face Protection

Safety glasses, goggles or face shield are recommended.

Work Hygiene Practices

• To control potential exposures, avoid creating dust.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or perform other hand-to-mouth activities in product use or handling area.
• Wash thoroughly after handling this product.

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Physical State: Solid
Color: Red
Form: Powder

Odor

Odorless

Molecular Weight

232.65 g/mole

Melting Point

583ƒ C (1081.4ƒ F)

Specific Gravity

8.1 (Water = 1)

Solubility

Insoluble in cold water.

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.

Hazardous Decomposition Products

Not available.

Hazardous Polymerization Products

Not available.

Incompatibilities

Not available.

Conditions to Avoid

Not available.

Section 11: Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry

Absorbed through skin. Dermal contact. Eye contact. Inhalation. Ingestion.

Toxicity to Animals

LD50: Not available.

LC50: Not available.

Chronic Effects on Humans  

CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Classified A5 (Not suspected for human.) by ACGIH.

The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, the nervous system, mucous membranes.

Other Toxic Effects on Humans

Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, sensitizer, permeator), of inhalation.

Section 12: Ecological information

Ecotoxicity 

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 more toxic.

Remarks on the Products of Biodegradation

Not available.

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

Recommended Disposal Method

Collect in containers, bags or covered dumpster boxes. Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

Section 14: Transportation Information

DOT Classification

CLASS 6.1: Poisonous material.

Marine Pollutant

Identification

Mercury compound, solid, n.o.s. (Mercuric sulfide): UN2025 PG: III

Special Provisions

Marine Pollutant

Section 15: Regulatory Information

SARA 313 Title III

Section 313 toxic chemical notification and release reporting: Mercuric sulfide.

OSHA Status

Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

TSCA Status

8(b) inventory: Mercuric sulfide.

California Proposition 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: Mercuric sulfide.

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: Mercuric sulfide.

CERCLA Reportable Quantity

Hazardous substances.: Mercuric sulfide.

International Regulations

WHMIS (Canada) CLASS D-1B: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (TOXIC).

WHMIS (Canada) CLASS D-2A: Material causing other toxic effects (VERY TOXIC).

DSCL (European Economic Community): R36/38-Irritating to eyes and skin.

R43-May cause sensitization by skin contact.

HMIS (USA)

Health: 2

Flammability: 1

Reactivity: 0

Protective Equipment: E

Section 16: Other Information

Date

1 August 2008

 

The above information is believed to be correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The information in this document is based on the present state of our knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any guarantee of the properties of the product. Natural Pigments, LLC shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.
Copyright 2008 Natural Pigments, LLC. License granted to make unlimited paper copies for internal use only.