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
Soil Screening
| 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 |
Cancer Potency Information
| Latest Criteria: | Reference Exposure Levels |
|---|
Air
Acute RELs
| 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 RELs
| 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 REL
| 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
Chemical Status
| Reproductive Toxicity : | Currently listed |
|---|
Reproductive Toxicity
| Listed as causing: | Developmental Toxicity | Developmental Toxicity |
|---|---|
| Date of Listing: | |
| Basis for Listing : | Authoritative Bodies-US Environmental Protection Agency |
Comments
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
California Public Health Goals Data
| Health Risk Category: | Nephrotoxicity |
|---|---|
| Public Health Goal (mg/L): | 0.0012 |
| Public Health Goal - Download: | hgmemophgupdate.pdf |
| 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. |
Listed as Mercury and mercury compounds; methyl mercury and methylmercury compounds listed separately.