ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

ACACIA E.P.

SYNONYMS
Gum arabic; gum acacia.
CHARACTERISTICS
White to yellowish white powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
with strong oxidising agents. In the presence of heat and in sufficient quantities with a reduced particle size can create a dust explosion.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Acacia is regarded as being of very low toxicity except when ingested in very large amounts. It is a mild eye and skin irritant and can cause asthma like symptoms when inhaled due to respiratory irritation or sensitisation.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye and skin contact.
Avoid inhalation of the dust.
Wash hands well after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid eye and skin contact. A long sleeved laboratory coat, rubber gloves and safety goggles as a minimum standard. When handling large quantities use a fume hood or an approved dust respirator if a fume hood is not available.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ wash the affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If necessary seek medical attention.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest and seek medical attention if effects persist.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth with water and give plenty of water to drink. If signs of toxicity persist seek medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from strong oxidising agents.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS: A liquid - absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame proof fume hood then burn the paper. A solid - sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS: A liquid - atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent. A solid - make up packages in paper or other flammable material. Burn in an incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT:
No data available.

 


BACK to the top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the Chemical Contents List

REFERENCES