Kodak IN-1 Mercury Intensifier

[donbga]

Originally Posted by FilmIs4Ever

Who the hell are you? You can buy Mercury Thermometers with almost an ounce of mercury for *one dollar* on eBay.

There is nothing wrong with the use of mercury if you use the proper precautions. You people are so assinine it makes me sick.

If you're afraid of a little bloody nose, maybe you had better run home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wonderous.

I'm someone who knows better than to use mecury chloride. Suggesting it's use with the simple warning isn't responsible. Do some research about the compound and it's effects on the human body and you might understand my ire. I've had several Phd chemists/photographers tell me directly to not use this compound.

Since you know so much about mercury, you should know that the pure metallic form is rather harmless. The mercury salt is deadly and easily absorbed or injested by the body.

I'm not trying to come in on my high horse and poo-poo your post just for the hell of it. Very small amounts, less than 3 tenths of a gram, can cause tissue damage in the kidneys and liver.

Mercury chloride is a deadly toxin and shouldn't be used in the darkroom. Period.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Okay, lets tone this down folks. It is perfectly compatible to have mercury intensifier formulas available on APUG (with adequate warnings) and for individuals to post strong recommendations against their use. Just glancing quickly at my shelf, I can find three mercury intensifier formulas in the Morgan and Morgan _Darkroom Book_ (1980), and this particular formula is included in Steve Anchell's _Darkroom Cookbook_ (2000). Anchell includes the following warning (p. 246):

Originally Posted by Steve Anchell

CAUTION: Mercuric chloride is possibly the single most toxic substance in this book. Use all necessary precautions, including a face mask, when handling the dry powder. This formula is included solely because of its effectiveness at intensification.

Mercuric chloride must not be allowed to contact the skin. Use impervious rubber gloves, such as Bench Mark or Bluettes, while handling these chemicals or their solutions. The outer surface of the gloves and the hands should be washed thoroughly after each use.

Containers of mercury intensifier solutions should be adequately labeled as poisonous. If they are used in the home, they should be stored in a locked cabinet out of the reach of children. Read carefully any directions on the manufacturer's label for these substances. Follow regulations of local health authorities regarding disposal of waste solutions.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS, WHATSOEVER, ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO SAFELY HANDLE TOXIC CHEMICALS, DO NOT USE MERCURIC CHLORIDE.