ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ALCIAN BLUE (Colour Index No. 74240) (C32H12N8Cu+4X) X = onium group
SYNONYMS
Alcian blue 8GX.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark blue powder. A phthalocyanin dye.
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 an eye and
respiratory tract irritant. The affects of ingestion are
unknown.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
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
chemical 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 seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water. If
discomfort develops seek medical advice.
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.
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List