Enclosure (6) TO COMDTINST 16478.12
USCG SITE SAFETY PLAN/ATON BATTERY RESPONSE PROJECT
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
gastrointestinal 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 prolonged 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 membranes. Acute
exposures may result in severe nausea, 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 conditions manifesting
themselves over long periods of time. Conditions resulting
from chronic exposures to mercury have included inflammation of
mouth and gums, excessive salivation, loosening of the teeth,
kidney damage, muscle tremors, jerky gait, spasms of the
extremities, personality changes, depression, irritability and
nervousness.
EXPOSURE LIMITS: Exposure limits are based on requirements for
elemental Mercury.
ACGIH TLV:
0.05 mg/cu m.
ACGIH STEL:
None (Elemental, non- vapor).
OSHA PEL:
None.
OSHA CEILING:
0.1 mg/cu m.
NIOSH REL:
0.05 mg/cu m.
IDLH:
28 mg/cu m.
F.2.b. POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE: Potassium hydroxide (KOH; CHRIS Code:
PTH; UN1814; CAS 1310-58- 3) is an electrolyte in primary
batteries. Since potassium hydroxide is in solution in primary
batteries, the presence of this chemical at the site will
depend upon the condition and water-tight integrity of the
batteries.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Potassium hydroxide is a white odorless
and nonvolatile solid which
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