Corrosive sublimate

Description

An old name for Mercuric chloride. Corrosive sublimate is a highly toxic chemical that was used for years as a wood preservative, rat poison, Insecticide, and fungicide.

Synonyms and Related Terms

mercuric chloride; bichloride of mercury

Risks

• Violent poison, can be fatal in minutes with ingestion of 0.5 grams.
• Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Egg white is used as an antidote.

Resources and Citations

• L. Goldberg, A History Of Pest Control Measures In The Anthropology Collections, National Museum Of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, JAIC (35):23-43, 1996

• R. Mayer, The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques, Viking Press, New York, 1981

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• George Savage, Art and Antique Restorer's Handbook, Rockliff Publishing Corp, London, 1954