ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ACRIDINE ORANGE (Colour Index No. 46005) (C17H20N3Cl)
SYNONYMS
Basic orange 3RN, euchrysine 3RXA, acridine orange NO, rhodulin
orange NO.
CHARACTERISTICS
Orange to redbrown powder. Acridine group of dyes.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen compounds. Can react
violently with oxidising materials.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a combustible powder and should never be
handled close to heat or a naked flame. It is moderately toxic
and an eye and respiratory tract irritant. Dyes from this group
have been known to cause hypersensitivity reactions.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact,
inhalation or ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild
detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the
dye has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). Contaminated
clothing should be removed, dried and washed with strong soap
solution or destroyed. It may be necessary to destroy shoes by
burning.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the dye has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists or signs of
toxicity develop seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
plenty of water to drink. In severe cases seek medical
attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and oxidising
materials.
DISPOSAL
Wear butyl rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained
breathing apparatus.
Spills: Small spills - absorb liquid on paper towels. Brush
solids on to paper. Place in an iron pan and allow evaporation
in a fume hood. Add crumpled paper and burn. Wash spill site
with a strong soap solution.
Large spills - cover with sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix
and shovel into a cardboard box. Pack with a large excess of
crumpled paper. Burn in an open pit or incinerator equipped with
an afterburner and scrubber.
Package lots: Either - 1. Pour or sift on to a thick layer of
sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix, and shovel into a heavy
paper box with much paper packaging. Burn in an incinerator. The
fire may be augmented with scrap wood. Stay on the upwind side
OR 2. Dissolve in a flammable solvent and spray into the firebox
of an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT:
No data available.
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