UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Methyl Mercury Cation
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☒ Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Methyl mercury has no industrial uses; it is formed in the environment from the methylation of the
inorganic mercurial ion. It was formerly used as a fungicide to treat grains.
Synonyms: methylmercury (1+)
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 22967-92-6
Class: Highly Toxic, possible carcinogen
Molecular Formula: CH3Hg+
Form (physical state): varies
Color: varies
Boiling point: varies
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Methyl Mercury Cation
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
To the best of our knowledge, the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly
investigated. In contrast to inorganic mercury compounds, alkyl mercury compounds rapidly pass through
the placenta and blood brain barrier. The peripheral and central nervous systems and the kidney are major
target organs. Methylmercury poisoning symptoms result primarily from damage to the nervous system. The
symptoms are primarily characterized by loss of sensation in the hands and feet and in areas around the
mouth, diminution of vision resulting in tunnel vision, ataxia, dysarthria, and hearing loss. Severe poisoning
produces blindness, coma and death. There is a latent period of weeks to
months before development of the poisoning symptoms. Mercury shows a specificity to damage small nerve
cells in the cerebellum and visual cortex. Methylmercury causes degeneration and necrosis of neurons in the
focal areas of the cerebral cortex, especially within the visual areas of the occipital cortex and the granular
layer of the cerebellum. It has been found that methylmercury inhibits protein synthesis in the brain before
symptoms of poisoning appear and that recovery of protein synthesis does not occur in granular cells as it
does recover in other neuronal cell types. Consumption by pregnant women has caused serious neurological
disorders in their offspring resulting in mental retardation with cerebral palsy. Acute exposure to nonlethal
levels of methylmercyry results in severely depressed lymphocyte response to T-cell mitogens thus
depressing polyclonal activation of lymphocytes by T-cell mitogens and antibody responses to sepcific
antigenic stimulation. Paresthesias are the first symptom that people report following toxic doses of
methylmercury. Neurotoxicity is the manifestation of severe organic mercury poisoning.
Potential health effects
Inhalation May be fatal if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
Skin May be fatal if absorbed through skin. May cause skin irritation.
Eyes May cause eye irritation.
Ingestion May be fatal if swallowed.
Engineering Controls
All operations involving Methyl mercury cation must be carried out in a certified chemical fume hood
(certified once every year by EH&S) with adequate exhaust and capture filtration or a glove box.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Handle with nitrile or neoprene gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal
technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of
contaminated gloves as hazardous waste. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Methyl mercury cation.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Methyl Mercury Cation
2
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Eye Protection
Tightly fitting safety goggles should be used at a minimum. Faceshield (8-inch minimum) as necessary. Use
equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH
(US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a sufficient length to prevent skin exposure
while wearing gloves. Personnel must also wear full length pants, or equivalent, and close-toed shoes at all
times by all individuals that are occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle
should not be exposed
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve
resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Consult a
physician.
In case of skin contact
If no burns have occurred, wash off with soap and plenty of water. Consult a physician. Remove contaminated
clothing and dispose accordingly.
In case of eye contact
Check for and remove any contact lenses. Rinse eye thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
and consult a physician.
If swallowed
DO NOT Induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Give large quantities of
water. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Avoid all contact. Minimize exposure to this material. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Keep
container tightly closed in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be
carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Always store away from incompatible compounds
such as oxidizing materials.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Methyl Mercury Cation
3
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Methyl Mercury Cation
4
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
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Procedure:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Methyl Mercury Cation
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)