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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