Re: VMI processing question/Mercuric Chloride HAZARD


Kevin O'Brien (kob@paradise.net.nz)
Sat, 22 May 1999 09:49:08 +1200


EPA CHEMICAL PROFILE

                                                     Date: October 31, 1985
                                                     Revision: November 30,
1987

CHEMICAL IDENTITY -- MERCURIC CHLORIDE

CAS Registry Number: 7487-94-7

    Routes of Entry: Inhalation: Yes (Weiss 1980, p. 581)
                      Skin: Yes (*Gosselin 1976)
                      Ingestion: Yes (*Browning 1969)

    Health Hazards (Acute, Delayed, and Chronic): It is classified as
    extremely toxic. All forms of mercury are poisonous if absorbed.
Probable
    oral lethal dose is 5-50 mg/kg; between 7 drops and 1 teaspoonful for a
150
    lb. person. Mercuric chloride is one of the most toxic salts of mercury
    (*Gosselin 1976). Material attacks the gastrointestinal tract and renal
    systems (*Friberg 1979).

Photographic toners are the only known current industrial use of this
substance. It is generally bannned.

Kevin O'Brien

> Haven't seen the intensifier you quote, and I wonder if it's correct.
> Mercuric chloride and mercuric iodide are both intensifiers: the iodide
> intensifies directly while the chloride is used indirectly (in a bleach,
> after which the neg is darkened in any one of several ways).
>
> If you still have some mercuric chloride left, try the following (from
> Clerc):
>
> Mercuric chloride 30g
> Pot. bromide 30g (optional, but recommended)
> Hydrochloric or nitric acid 5ml
> Water to make 1000ml



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