How much dimethylmercury is lethal?
approximately 400 mg
Dimethylmercury is lethal at doses of approximately 400 mg of Hg (equivalent to a few drops) or 5 mg/kg body weight (Gosselin et al.,1984; Nierenberg et al., 1998). Five fatalities involving 2 scientists and 3 technicians exposed to dimethylmercury have occurred in chemical research laboratories.
Is dimethylmercury toxic?
Dimethylmercury is extremely toxic and dangerous to handle. As early as 1865, two workers in the laboratory of Frankland died after exhibiting progressive neurological symptoms following accidental exposure to the compound. Absorption of doses as low as 0.1 mL can result in severe mercury poisoning.
What is dimethylmercury used for?
For example, a major use of dimethylmercury is to calibrate certain research equipment such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Inorganic mercury salts reportedly can be substituted for most of these operations.
What does mercury poisoning do to a human?
The inhalation of mercury vapour can produce harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal. The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.
Does dimethylmercury occur naturally?
Dimethylmercury is a volatile and highly toxic form of mercury (Hg)1. It appears to be ubiquitous in marine waters and has been found in deep hypoxic oceanic water, coastal sediments and upwelling waters and in the mixed layer of the Arctic ocean2,3,4,5,6.
Why is dimethylmercury more toxic than mercury?
When mercury is chemically bound to carbon it is readily absorbed into the blood, which makes organomercury compounds far more toxic than the other forms.
What happens if you touch dimethylmercury?
Highly toxic if absorbed through the skin, contacted by the eyes, swallowed, or inhaled. A neurotoxin that causes severe and irreversible health effects, including death, after skin exposure to very small amounts (<1mL).
Is there a treatment for dimethylmercury?
One study of chelation therapy in mice exposed to methylmercury suggested that treatment with succimer, begun a few days after exposure, is most effective in reducing brain and blood mercury levels.
Is dimethylmercury flammable?
DOT#: UN 2024 ERG Guide #: 151 Hazard Class: 6.1 (Poison) Dimethyl Mercury is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or foam as extinguishing agents. POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Mercury vapors. CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.