Agent Name |
Magnesium |
CAS Number |
7439-95-4 |
Formula |
Mg |
Major Category |
Metals |
Synonyms |
UN1869 |
Category |
Elements, Metallic |
Description |
Silvery solid; [CHRIS] |
Sources/Uses |
Magnesium is important an essential mineral in the body for enzymatic reactions and neuromuscular function. Magnesium is used in antacids and cathartics. It is used to treat toxemia of pregnancy, some cardiac dysrrhymias, and severe bronchospasm. [Olson, p. 249] |
Comments |
Elemental magnesium can cause serious skin burns and magnesium fume may cause metal fume fever; [CHEMINFO MSDS] The normal range of serum magnesium is 1.8-3.0 mg/dL. The therapeutic level for toxemia is 5-7.4 mg/dL Sedation and hypotension occur at levels exceeding 8-12 mg/dL. Arrhythmias and muscular paralysis with respiratory arrest occur at levels exceeding 12 mg/dL. Patients with renal insufficiency taking magnesium-containing antacids or cathartics are at risk. [Olson, p. 249-50] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
Vapor Pressure |
1 mm Hg |
Explanatory Notes |
Melting Point = 649C (1200F); Boiling Point = 1100C (2012F); [CHEMINFO MSDS] Magnesium powder is spontaneously combustible. [CAMEO] |
Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
Adverse Effects |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
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