ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

ANILINE BLUE (Colour Index No. 42755) (C32H25N3O9S3Na2)

SYNONYMS
China blue, soluble blue 3M, soluble blue 2R, marine blue V, cotton blue, water blue I.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark blue powder. A triaminotriarylmethane dye.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of sulphur and nitrogen. Can react with oxidising materials.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a combustible powder and should not be handled close to heat or a naked flame. The toxicity of aniline blue has not been quantified. Aniline dyes may be absorbed through the skin, by ingestion or by inhalation. Some of the aniline dyes are skin sensitisers and others are suspected of causing bladder cancers in dye industry workers. Aniline dyes may cause liver and kidney damage. Acute exposure to skin, airways or gastro­intestinal tract may cause cyanosis, methaemoglobinaemia, headache, shallow respiration, dizziness, confusion, stupor, hypotension, lethargy, convulsions and coma, jaundice, pain on urination, haemolysis and anaemia may appear later. Chronic exposure may affect the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and bone marrow, weight loss, anaemia, weakness and irritability may also occur.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin contact.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder. Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Always use a fume hood when handling a potential carcinogen. Wear protective clothing to keep the level of exposure to a minimum. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ remove contaminated clothing and 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). Seek immediate medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before re­use.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the dye has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). No effects other than local irritation have been reported.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. Administer oxygen if necessary. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give two to four glasses of water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat. Never induce vomiting in a person that is not conscious. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and oxidising materials.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all purpose canister respirator available.
A solid - sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume hood. Burn the paper and compound.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available but as the dye is a derivative of aniline it must be considered as a pollutant.

 


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