BRILLIANT GREEN (Colour Index No. 42040) (C₂₇H₃₄N₂O₄S)

SYNONYMS
Ethyl green, malachite green G, emerald green, solid green JJO, diamond green G, aniline green, benzaldehyde green, fast green J.
CHARACTERISTICS
Bright green crystals. Diaminotriarylmethane group of dyes.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen, sulphur and carbon.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This dye has been used as an antiseptic. It is toxic and may prove to be fatal if swallowed. It is an irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Acute exposure to the eyes can cause keratitis and corneal opacity. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and kidney irritation. Large doses cause methaemoglobinaemia, cardiovascular collapse and death due to respiratory failure.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact. It will damage eyes.
Avoid inhalation.
Very toxic, can be fatal if ingested.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear protective clothing to avoid contact with this dye. 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 dye 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). Seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Give oxygen if required. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion ­ if the patient is conscious 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. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Leather gloves, heavy face shield and laboratory coat. Work from behind a barricade (body shield or wall). Avoid unnecessary heat, friction or impact.
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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