ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
AMMONIUM OXALATE [(CO2NH4)2.H2O]
SYNONYMS
Ammonium ethanedioate.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals, no odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Can react violently with sodium hypochlorite and ammonium
acetate. Heating produces the toxic fumes of carbon and
nitrogen.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a corrosive substance and a powerful irritant to skin
and eyes. Inhalation will cause irritation of the upper
respiratory tract, ulceration of the mucous membranes, epistaxis,
headache, irritation and nervousness. Highly toxic when ingested
causing severe caustic effects. Other symptoms may include
vomiting, burning and internal pain followed by muscular
tremors, convulsions and collapse. Death may occur in minutes.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid ingestion.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation.
Keep away from heat.
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 remove contaminated clothing then immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation persists seek medical advice. Wash contaminated
clothing before reuse.
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
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure and lie flat. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water. Induce
vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat or by
administering Ipecac syrup. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and foodstuffs.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS: Solid - collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount
of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric
acid and collect in a corrosion proof container for disposal by
waste disposal contractor. Solution - cover with soda ash, mix
and scoop into a beaker of water. Neutralise with 6M
hydrochloric acid and collect in a corrosion proof container for
disposal by waste disposal contractor.
PACKAGE LOTS: Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in
a slight excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked
lime. Let stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another
container and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Collect in a
corrosion proof container for disposal by waste disposal
contractor. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT
This is an environmental pollutant and must be contained.
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