[7] It does not melt, even at dull red heat, instead subliming[3] and decomposing to gaseous mercury, hydrogen chloride, and nitrogen oxides.

In lesser cases, it may instead cause dermatitis and skin lesions[7] or corrode the mucous membranes.

[failed verification] If improperly handled, it may cause dangerous environmental pollution, in soil, water bodies, and air.

A variety of related amido and nitrido materials with chloride, bromide, and hydroxide are known.

[13] It was also used for scaling in psoriasis, to treat pruritus ani, and against pinworm and ringworm infection (especially in dogs), against crab louse infestation,[7] against lesions on the body and near eyes, against bumblefoot infection on poultry, and as a disinfectant.