ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
BIEBRICH SCARLET (Colour Index No. 26905) (C22H14N4O7S2Na2)
SYNONYMS
Croceine scarlet, scarlet B or EC, scarlet 3B (FIAT), double
scarlet BSF, ponceau B or 3RP.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark brown powder. Disazo group of dyes.
INCOMPATIBILITY
None known, although heating may produce toxic fumes.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This dye is a suspected carcinogen and should be handled with
extreme care. It is a highly toxic substance and can be absorbed
into the body by ingestion, inhalation or through the skin. It
will irritate the eyes.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood, potential carcinogen.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and 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). If irritation persists or signs of
toxicity develop seek immediate medical attention. 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 or pain persist 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. If irritation or signs of toxicity persist or
develop, seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back
of the throat. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere.
DISPOSAL
SPILLS:
Absorb the liquid with paper or vermiculite. If it is a solid,
dampen then brush on to paper with great care. Place in a
plastic bag and remove outside for burning.
OR
Sponge up with water, followed by decontamination with 10%
ammonium ceric nitrate solution. 'Kill', by adding to a greater
stoichiometric amount of ammonium ceric nitrate solution with
agitation sufficient to provide suspension of all solids. Cool
the reaction. The organic azides and heavy metal azides are
explosive. Alkali and alkaline earth azides are not considered
explosives under normal laboratory conditions. Keep the stock of
azides very low. Stamp the date of receipt upon the package.
ENVIRONMENT.
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