Hazardous in contact with NH3, halogens, and alkali. Vapors are extremely toxic and cumulative. Regard spills on hot surfaces as extremely hazardous and clean up promptly. Powd S sprinkled over spilled Hg can assist in cleaning up spills. High degree of personal cleanliness is necnssary for persons who use Hg.
Handle only in locations where any spill can be readily and thoroly cleaned up. When Hg evapn is necessary, use effective fume removal device.
To avoid environmental contamination, dil. Liq. Remaining in Kjeldahl distn flask to ca 300 mL with H2O, cool to room temp.,and add 50 mL 30% H2O2 . (If Raney powder method is used, 6 mL is enough.) Warm gently to initiate reaction, let reaction go to completion in warm flask, and sep. pptd HgS. Reserve ppt in closed labeled container for recovery of Hg or disposal appropriate for Hg.