Mercury

Encl. (4) TO COMDTINST 16478.12

First CG District ATON Battery Recovery Site Safety Plan

2)

Potassium Hydroxide

Hydrogen Sulfide

Low.

MERCURY: (Hg; CHRIS Code: MCR; UN 2809, CAS 7439-9

7-6) is the primary chemical hazard anticipated on scene. Levels

of mercury at each site will vary in accordance with several

factors including the number and condition of batteries at the

site and site topography. The following primary batteries which

contained mercury may be potentially recovered during this

operation: Edison/NIFE/Saft-NIFE, Saft America, CEGASA/AMCEL, and

Union Carbide. According to manufacturer's information the total

amount of mercury in the batteries ranges from 0.035 to 0.150

pounds.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Mercury is a silvery- white heavy, liquid

metal. It is highly mobile and has a tendency to disperse,

forming alloys. It is corrosive to most alloys with the

exception of iron or steel.

ACUTE TOXICITY TO HUMANS: Mercury is a corrosive chemical and is

readily absorbed via the respiratory tract (elemental mercury

vapor, mercury compound dusts), intact skin, and gastro-

intestinal tract. Occasional incidental swallowing of metallic

mercury is generally without harm, as Mercury in its elemental

form is usually non-toxic unless a GI fistula or other GI

inflammatory disease is present or the mercury is retained for a

porlonged period in the GI tract. Mercury vapor will cause

severe pulmonary damage if inhaled, as well as central nervous

system damage. Soluble salts of Mercury have a violent corrosive

effect on skin and mucous membrances. Acute exposures may result

in severe nauses, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and

kidney damage. In severe exposures, death may result within 10

days.

CHRONIC TOXICITY TO HUMANS:

Chronic toxicity is likely to follow

repeated exposures with

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