Also known as: Mercury (Hg), Caswell No. 546, Colloidal mercury, EINECS 231-106-7, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 052301 (+15 more)
CAS 7439-97-6
Mercury (CAS 7439-97-6) is a chemical substance with GHS signal word Danger; key hazard signal: H360D ***; H330; H372 **; H400; H410. Key regulatory status: REACH registered, 31 regulatory/inventory lists, cosmetic ingredient cross-reference; source data from ECHA CLP, EPA ToxValDB, EPA CPDat, AICIS, IARC, ECHA REACH, ILO ICSC, OSHA, EPA TRI.
Mercury is classified GHS Danger (H360D, H330, H372, H400, H410) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 0.007%.
CAS, identifiers, formula, and alternate names for the matched substance record.
Carcinogenic hazard classification from IARC monograph evaluations.
| Group | Meaning | Evaluated | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 3 | Not classifiable | 1993 | 58 |
EU harmonized hazard classification, hazard statements, pictograms, and signal word.
| Hazard Class | H-Statements | Pictograms | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repr. 1B; Acute Tox. 2 *; STOT RE 1; Aquatic Acute 1; Aquatic Chronic 1 | H360D ***; H330; H372 **; H400; H410 | GHS08; GHS06; GHS09 | Danger |
International Chemical Safety Card hazard and exposure summary.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Signal Word | DANGER |
| GHS Hazard Statements | May be osive to metals Fatal if inhaled May damage fertility or the unborn child Causes damage to central nervous system and kidneys Causes damage to the central nervous system and the kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
| Short-term Effects | The substance is irritating to the skin. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapour may cause pneumonitis. This may result in death. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in tremors and tissue lesions. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. |
| Long-term Effects | The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in irritability, emotional instability, tremors, mental and memory disturbances and speech disorders. May cause inflammation and discoloration of gums. Cumulative effects are possible. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction. |
| Routes of Exposure | The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and through the skin also as a vapour. |
Occupational exposure limits from OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH rows.
| Agency | Metric | Value | ppm | mg/m3 | Skin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA | CEILING | 0.1 mg/m³* | - | 0.1 | N |
| NIOSH | TWA | 0.05 mg/m³ (Hg vapor) | - | 0.05 | Y |
| NIOSH | CEILING | 0.1 mg/m³ | - | 0.1 | Y |
| ACGIH | TWA | 0.1 mg/m³ (aryl compounds), 0.025 mg/m³ (elemental and inorganic forms), [1991] | - | 0.1 | Y |
| CAL/OSHA | TWA | 0.025 mg/m³ | - | 0.025 | Y |
| CAL/OSHA | CEILING | 0.1 mg/m³* | - | 0.1 | Y |
| NIOSH | IDLH | 10 mg/m³ | - | 10 | - |
| AIHA | ERPG-1 | -- | - | - | - |
| AIHA | ERPG-2 | 0.25 ppm | 0.25 | - | - |
| AIHA | ERPG-3 | 0.5 ppm | 0.5 | - | - |
| OSHA | TWA | 0.01 mg/m³ | - | 0.01 | Y |
| OSHA | CEILING | 0.04 mg/m³ | - | 0.04 | Y |
| NIOSH | TWA | 0.01 mg/m³ | - | 0.01 | Y |
| NIOSH | STEL | 0.03 mg/m³ | - | 0.03 | Y |
| ACGIH | TWA | 0.01 mg/m³ [1992] | - | 0.01 | Y |
| ACGIH | STEL | 0.03 mg/m³ [1992] | - | 0.03 | Y |
| CAL/OSHA | TWA | 0.01 mg/m³ | - | 0.01 | Y |
| CAL/OSHA | STEL | 0.03 mg/m³ | - | 0.03 | Y |
| CAL/OSHA | CEILING | 0.04 mg/m³ | - | 0.04 | Y |
| NIOSH | IDLH | 2 mg/m³ (as Hg) | - | 2 | - |
| AIHA | ERPG-1 | -- | - | - | - |
| AIHA | ERPG-2 | 0.25 ppm | 0.25 | - | - |
| AIHA | ERPG-3 | 0.5 ppm | 0.5 | - | - |
| OSHA | TWA | 0.1 mg/m³ - Construction (1926) and Maritime (1925) only | - | 0.1 | Y |
| OSHA | CEILING | 1 mg/10m³ (0.1 mg/m³)* - General Industry (1910) only | - | 0.1 | Y |
| NIOSH | TWA | 0.05 mg/m³ | - | 0.05 | Y |
| NIOSH | CEILING | 0.1 mg/m³ | - | 0.1 | Y |
| ACGIH | TWA | 0.025 mg/m³ [1991] | - | 0.025 | Y |
| CAL/OSHA | TWA | 0.025 mg/m³ | - | 0.025 | Y |
| CAL/OSHA | CEILING | 0.1 mg/m³ | - | 0.1 | Y |
Industrial and product-use categories associated with this substance.
Inventory, screening, and regulatory list matches from public chemical databases.
| List | Keyword | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Europe; nondetect; Other direct contact consumer goods | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| Arts and crafts/Office supplies - body paint - tattoo ink; detected; Europe | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| Arts and crafts/Office supplies - body paint - tattoo ink; detected; Europe | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| Arts and crafts/Office supplies - body paint - tattoo ink; detected; Europe | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| artificial_sweat; emissions; Europe; nondetect; Other direct contact consumer goods | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| Australia; Food and drug - smoking-related products | New Zealand ESR | CPCat |
| detected; Israel; Toys and children's products | Chemosphere | Published Articles |
| - | Journal of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology | Published Articles |
| nondetect; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Furniture and Furnishings; Other direct contact consumer goods; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| - | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| detected; Toys and children's products | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| Personal care; prohibited; Southeast Asia | Asean | ASEAN Cosmetics |
| Europe; Furniture and Furnishings | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| Europe; Food contact items | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| banned; Europe; restricted | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| air; drinking_water; Europe | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| Europe; Toys and children's products | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| Europe; nondetect; Other direct contact consumer goods | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| children; WA Children's Safe Product Act (4/2020) | State of Washington Department of Ecology | State of Washington |
| children | Vermont Department of Health | State of Vermont |
| drinking_water; Europe; soil | Danish Environmental Protection Agency | Danish EPA |
| banned; Europe; Personal care | European Commission | CosIng |
Toxicology endpoints rendered from public NOAEL study rows.
| Value | Unit | Endpoint | Route | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| =0.06 | mg/kg bw/day | BMDL (10) | oral | Mouse, Rat | ToxValDB_WHO_JECFA_Tox_Studies |
| =0.02 | mg/m3 | DNEL systemic | inhalation | Human | ToxValDB_GESTIS_DNEL |
| FXS1BY2PGL | UNII | FDA UNII substance identifier | - | - | openFDA substances |
| FXS1BY2PGL | UNII | FDA UNII substance identifier | - | - | openFDA substances |
| FXS1BY2PGL | UNII | FDA UNII substance identifier | - | - | openFDA substances |
| FXS1BY2PGL | UNII | FDA UNII substance identifier | - | - | openFDA substances |
| 3 | IARC group | IARC carcinogenicity classification | - | - | IARC Monographs |
| 3 | unitless | IARC group | - | - | NTP_ICE_cancer |
| =0.025 | mg/m3 | LOAEL | inhalation | Human | ToxValDB_Cal_OEHHA_REL_derivations |
| =0.05 | mg/kg bw | LOAEL | inhalation | Human | INCHEM_WHO_ehc_ehc_ehc118 |
| =0.05 | mg/kg bw | LOAEL | inhalation | Human | INCHEM_WHO_ehc_ehc_ehc118 |
| =0.317 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | oral | Rat | ToxValDB_Health_Canada |
| =0.633 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | oral | Rat | ToxValDB_Health_Canada |
| =0.86 | mg/m3 | LOAEL | inhalation | Rat | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =1 | mg/m3 | LOAEL | inhalation | Monkey | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =1.8 | mg/m3 | LOAEL | inhalation | Rat | ToxValDB_Cal_OEHHA_REL_derivations |
| =1.9 | mg/kg bw | LOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =1.9 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | oral | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =8 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =9 | mg/kg bw | LOAEL | oral | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =10 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =16 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | dermal | - | INCHEM_WHO_ehc_ehc_ehc118 |
| =16 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | dermal | - | INCHEM_WHO_ehc_ehc_ehc118 |
| =20 | mg/kg bw/day | LOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =0.009 | mg/m3 | LOAEL (ADJ) | inhalation | Human | ToxValDB_IRIS |
| =0.009 | mg/m^3 | LOAEL (ADJ) | inhalation | - | EPA_IRIS_iris_rfc_systems.csv |
| =0.0003 | mg/m3 | MRL | inhalation | Human | ToxValDB_ATSDR_MRLs |
| =0.0002 | mg/m3 | NOAEL | inhalation | Human | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =0.002 | mg/m3 | NOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =0.0328571428571429 | mg/kg bw/day | NOAEL | - | Human | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =0.16 | mg Hg/kg-day | NOAEL | oral | Rat | ToxValDB_Cal_OEHHA_REL_derivations |
| =0.23 | mg/kg bw | NOAEL | oral | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =0.23 | mg/kg bw/day | NOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =1 | mg/kg bw/day | NOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =23 | mg/kg bw | NOAEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad50 |
| =0.399 | mg/g | NOEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_ehc_ehc_ehc101 |
| =0.399 | mg/g | NOEL | - | - | INCHEM_WHO_ehc_ehc_ehc101 |
| =0.0003 | mg/m^3 | RfC | inhalation | - | EPA_IRIS_iris_rfc_systems.csv |
| =0.0003 | mg/kg bw/day | TDI | injection | Human | ToxValDB_Health_Canada |
Showing 39 of 39 studies
Registration status from the ECHA REACH registered substances database.
| Status | Name | EC Number | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered | Mercury | 231-106-7 | ECHA overview → |
TRI hazard and reporting flags for the matched chemical.
| Chemical | Category | Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | - | - |
Australian industrial chemicals inventory status and applicable conditions.
Same-CAS cosmetic ingredient record for cross-vertical context.
Same-CAS pharmaceutical records from drug and bioactivity sources.
Same-CAS food additive, ADI, and GRAS records where available.
ADI: 4 mg/kg bw
View full food safety profile →Same-CAS cannabis compliance and lab records where available.
5 cannabis records found in cannabis contaminant tests (heavy_metal) across Massachusetts.
View full cannabis profile →Mercury (CAS 7439-97-6) is classified under EU CLP Annex VI as Repr. 1B; Acute Tox. 2 *; STOT RE 1; Aquatic Acute 1; Aquatic Chronic 1 with signal word Danger. Hazard statements: H360D ***; H330; H372 **; H400; H410. Source: EU CLP Annex VI (ECHA).
Mercury has 39 NOAEL studies in the database. The lowest reported value is 0.02 mg/m3 via inhalation in Human. Source: ToxValDB_GESTIS_DNEL.
Mercury appears on 18 regulatory/inventory lists including Europe; nondetect; Other direct contact consumer goods, Arts and crafts/Office supplies - body paint - tattoo ink; detected; Europe, artificial_sweat; emissions; Europe; nondetect; Other direct contact consumer goods, and 15 more. Source: EPA CPDat.
Mercury is classified by IARC as Group 3 — not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (evaluated 1993). Source: IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans.
Occupational exposure limits for Mercury are set by OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH. 30 limit values from official agencies are documented in the database. Source: OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH.
Yes, Mercury is also indexed as a cosmetic ingredient under the name Mercury Compounds. View the full cosmetic safety profile on the ingredient page for detailed safety data, SCCS opinions, and regulatory status.
Safety data is sourced from ECHA CLP Annex VI, EPA ToxValDB, EPA CPDat, AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme), EPA DSSTox, IARC Monographs, ECHA REACH, ILO/WHO ICSC, OSHA/NIOSH/ACGIH, EPA Toxics Release Inventory, CosIng / Ingredients DB, ChEMBL / DailyMed, EFSA / FDA GRAS, cannabis regulatory/lab databases. All data traces to primary regulatory sources and is updated from official government databases.
Mercury is classified GHS Danger (H360D, H330, H372, H400, H410) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 0.007%.
Mercury also appears in cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food safety, cannabis databases.