Mercury (Inorganic)
CAS Number
7439-97-6Synonym
Colloidal mercury; Hydrargyrum; Inorganic mercury compounds; Liquid silver; Mercury; NCI-C60399; Quicksilver
Occurrence/Use
Thermometers, barometers, mirrors, lubricant, laboratory reagent; catalyst in oxidation of organic compounds, extraction of gold and silver from ores; manufacture of pulp, paper, switching devices, chlorine, caustic soda; component of batteries, dental amalgams; component of tobacco smoke
| Last CHHSL revision: |
1/2005
|
|---|---|
| CHHSL Comments: |
For chemical-specific screening levels for use in assessing contaminated sites, please see HHRA Note 3 (DTSC HERO). https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/assessingrisk/humanrisk2.cfm |
| Latest Criteria: |
Reference Exposure Levels
|
|---|
Air
| Acute REL (μg/m3): |
0.6
|
|---|---|
| Species: |
Rat
|
| Acute REL Toxicologic Endpoint: |
Reproductive/ development (central nervous system disturbances)
|
| Acute REL Target Organs: |
Reproductive/ development
|
| Severity: |
Severe
|
| Last Acute REL Revision: |
2008
|
| Acute Reference Exposure Levels Comments: |
OEHHA 2008. Technical Supporting Document for Noncancer RELs, Appendix D1. Updated July 2014. Listed as Mercury & inorganic mercury compounds. |
| 8-Hour Inhalation REL (μg/m3): |
0.06
|
|---|---|
| Last 8-Hour REL Revision: |
2008
|
| 8-Hour Reference Exposure Levels Comments: |
OEHHA 2013. Technical Support Document for Noncancer RELs, Appendix D1. Updated July 2014. Listed as Mercury & inorganic mercury compounds. |
| Chronic Inhalation REL (μg/m3): |
0.03 (inhalation); 0.16 μg/kg BW-day (oral)
|
|---|---|
| Chronic Target Organs: |
Inhalation and oral: Nervous system, kidney, development
|
| Human Data: |
Yes
|
| Last Chronic REL Revision: |
2008
|
| Chronic Reference Exposure Levels Comments: |
OEHHA 2008. Technical Supporting Document for Noncancer RELs, Appendix D1. Updated July 2014. Listed as Mercury & inorganic mercury compounds. |
Proposition 65
| Reproductive Toxicity: |
Currently listed
|
|---|
| Listed for: |
Developmental Toxicity
|
|---|---|
| Developmental Toxicity | |
| Date of Listing: |
07/01/1990
|
| Basis for Listing: |
Authoritative Bodies-US Environmental Protection Agency
|
Public notices related to this chemical:
- Response to the Petition of Bayer Corporation for Clarification of the Proposition 65 Listing of “Mercury and Mercury Compounds” as Chemicals Known to Cause Reproductive Toxicity
- December 9, 1997 Meeting of the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant (DART) Identification Committee
- Final Determination on the Petition to Reconsider the Listing of Mercury and Mercury Compounds as Known to the State to Cause Reproductive Toxicity
- Request for Information on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Mercury and Mercury Compounds (excluding methyl mercury)
Water
| Health Risk Category: |
Nephrotoxicity
|
|---|---|
| Public Health Goal (mg/L): |
0.0012
|
| Public Health Goal - Download: | |
| Cancer Risk at PHG: |
n/a
|
| MCL value (mg/L): |
0.002
|
| Cancer Risk at MCL: |
n/a
|
| Last PHG Revision : |
2005
|
| California PHG Comments: |
Value established in 1999; reviewed in 2005 without change. Listed as Mercury, inorganic. |
Comments
Listed as Mercury and mercury compounds; methyl mercury and methylmercury compounds listed separately.