Mercury - Corrosive but not Marine Pollutant 2

[DavidCharles]

The DOT hazmat table (49 CFR 172.101) lists mercury as corrosive (8) not toxic (6.1), and it is not a marine pollutant, like mercury compounds. Does anyone know why?

Please point me to the right forum is this wouldn't be the one.

Thanks.

 

[bimr]

Mercury toxicity as well as mercury pollutiin is a function of the frequency and intensity of exposure as well as the chemical form of mercury involved.

Absorption of liquid metallic mercury through the digestive tract is negligible.

Metallic mercury is absorbed into the body mainly through the respiratory tract following inhalation of vapors.

It is possible to absorb it through the skin, especially if the person has a skin disease or wound.

At this time the USEPA has proposed to classify methyl mercury and inorganic mercury as EPA Group C compounds (possible human carcinogens). Metallic mercury was deemed to be not classifiable due to insufficient data (EPA Group D). These classifications are currently under review.


Here is a discussion:

http://www.mass.gov/dep/files/mercury/appd.htm